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How Can I Use Home Theater Decor to Wow My Guests?

The best way to watch a movie is to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home theater. Having family and friends over to watch the movie of your choice is an amazing experience.

That experience can be made even better with the proper home theater decor. Wowing your guests can be made possible by using this decor to further immerse yourself in the movies you are watching.

How can you wow your family and friends? Let’s look at how you can turn watching a movie in your home theater into an event your guests will be talking about for days.

Lighting

Nothing sets the mood for a movie more than having proper lighting. There are a few things that you can do in order to add to the experience of your guests.

Have lights that can be turned up or down on a gradual scale. If you are watching a movie that has horror or suspense elements, you’ll want the least amount of light that you are comfortable with.

For more light-hearted movies, try lighting that is turned up slightly, just enough to see other people around you. Laughter has been shown to be a social signal. People are 30 times more likely to laugh when they are with other people.

Since laughter has also been linked to social bonding and makes people feel better, being able to see others around them with low light that doesn’t affect the quality of a movie will, in turn, make your guests feel that the night was great.

Use Seating to Make the Setting More Intimate

The way that people are seated can either make them feel more bonded or more independent. Since it will be your friends and family in your home theater, you will want to create a setting of inclusion and intimacy.

You can accomplish this by having a few couches instead of having a bunch of individual chairs.

If you do want chairs instead, arrange them in a way that will encourage a focus on the screen but that also allows for conversation before and after the movie.

People are naturally social creatures. This will fulfill their desire to be part of a larger group. Use your home theater decor to make them feel comfortable and social.

Memorabilia

Our hobbies and preferences can help others determine what type of person we are. Shared interests are a great way to increase bonding with another person, and can serve as great conversation starters.

Movie posters, replicas of movie props and scripts, and pictures of actors and actresses not only serve to create a free flowing dialogue but will also give your home theater a personal touch.

These items will engage your guests as well. This type of home theater decor triggers your guests’ subconscious desire to see a movie by reminding them of other great films they have seen.

Memorabilia is always a safe bet for home theater decor.

Projector

You want your guests focused on the sounds of the movie they are watching, not the sound of the projector that is playing it. It not only drowns out important dialogue but takes away from the immersion.

Done correctly, you can get a projector that will not only stay quiet but will serve as a central piece of your home theater decor. There are many attractive, inexpensive, and quiet models out there for sale now.

Make sure you check the quality of each brand as well and read articles describing what to look for in a projector. No matter how great your home theater decor is, it doesn’t matter if the movie’s quality suffers because of a sub-par projector.

Remember that all projectors are different. What might work great in one setting might not work for your home theater. Do your homework and find the best one for your situation.

Turn Your Speakers Into Home Theater Decor

You want your home theater to have the best sound possible to wow your guests. You have figured out an amazing theme and set it up to make it an intimate place to watch great movies.

There’s just one problem though. Speakers can be big, bulky, and sometimes will distract from your guests’ viewing pleasure.

Why not make your speakers a part of the experience?

There are a few possible solutions available. You could mount your speakers in the corners of the room, hiding them. You could also use plants or other various props to mask them.

You could also get specialty speakers that are designed to look like props from a movie. These can be expensive, but if you can afford it, why not go all out?

Make Food Fun

Almost everyone likes to munch on something while they are watching a movie. You can add to the experience by having snacks that are served in a movie themed dish or bowl.

You can also get yourself a scaled down concession stand, complete with a popcorn maker and soda cooler as well. If your guests get the craving for some buttered popcorn, all they have to do is walk up and put it in a bag.

Having a small concession area as a part of your home theater decor will set you apart from other people and wow your guests. It adds to the sense of immersion and will make them feel as if they have stepped into an actual theater.

Don’t forget the coffee as well. The last thing you want is for people to start falling asleep during your late night Halloween marathon of classic horror movies.

We Can Help With Your Home Theater

Having a well thought out plan to add to your movie watching experience with home theater decor will make your house the place to go for socializing and film watching.

There is no better feeling than knowing that your guests will be talking about the amazing time that they had at your place later that night.

Impressing visitors with your home theater will provide you with a sense of accomplishment that is hard to match.

In order to help you with this, we have a blog that covers numerous home theater topics, as well as product reviews and more. You can also contact us at any time.

Check out our reviews, find a product that works best for you, and begin building your ultimate movie watching experience!

The post How Can I Use Home Theater Decor to Wow My Guests? appeared first on HTP Reviews.

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The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Quality Cheap Projector

When you’re looking for a projector, you want to find one that’s high quality, but you don’t want to break the bank for it.

If you’re still holding on to your old projector, there’s never been a better time to upgrade. If this is your first home theater projector, don’t limit yourself to expensive options.

There are plenty of ways to find a cheap projector that also offers a pleasurable viewing experience.

This article will discuss what aspects to consider when searching for the best option at the most affordable price.

Keep reading to find out how to get a great deal on your next projector!

Resolution

One of the first things you want to look at when choosing a cheap projector is the resolution.

The higher the resolution, the more pixels on the screen. The more pixels in an image, the smoother the picture quality.

A few years ago, 1080p projectors were a lot more expensive than lower resolution options. Back then, if you wanted an affordable projector, you had to settle for 720p.

But that’s no longer the case. Nowadays, you can find several 1080p projectors priced under $700.

One example of a 1080p projector in this price range is the BenQ W1070 DLP. This projector allows you to enjoy super-crisp resolution without feeling guilty about the cost.

Of course, 720p projectors have lower resolution. But they will also likely have more features than 1080p projectors in this price range.

If you’re looking for a native 4k projector, you may have to dish out $4,000 or more.

However, Optoma recently announced the first ever native 4k projector priced under $2,000. You won’t find the full 4k experience at a cheaper price.

Another superb option for 4k is the Epson Home Cinema 5040UB. Although it’s not true 4k, it costs less than $3,000 and features 4k enhancement, which enables it to accept 4k input.

Regardless of what resolution you seek, there is a cheap projector that suits your needs.

Brightness

Lumens are the units used to measure the brightness of a projector.

The level of brightness you need depends on where you plan to use your projector.

If you plan to use your projector in a very dark room, you’ll be fine with at least 1,500 lumens of brightness.

But if you plan to use it outside or in a well-lit room, you want to go with an option that puts out at least 2,500-3,000 lumens. Plus, higher lumens can also make the colors on the screen pop.

The BenQ Q1070, which will run you about $639.00, is great for darker rooms. It puts out 2,000 lumens, and it features a day and night mode.

For brighter rooms, the Acer H5380BD is the perfect option. It puts out 3,000 lumens and will only cost you about $500.

Just remember that the brighter option isn’t always superior. If you’re in a dark room, a really bright projector could easily strain your eyes.

In that case, you’re better off focusing on other specs related to image quality.

Contrast Ratio

While resolution is important for image quality, contrast ratio is too.

When shopping for a cheap projector, aim for a unit with a high contrast ratio.

Despite how intimidating it may seem, understanding the contrast ratio is actually simple. A projector with a 2,000:1 contrast ratio projects a white that us 2,000 times brighter than the darkest black.

A high-contrast projector will feature superior detail and image depth.

On the other hand, a projector with a low contrast ratio will offer reduced detail in a room with too much light.

The ViewSonic PJD5155 is a low-cost option with a 20,000:1 contrast ratio. It’s priced at only $323.99 on Amazon, but the resolution is much lower than more expensive options.

If you’re willing to pay less than twice as much, you can also go with the Optoma HD27. Not only does it have a contrast ratio of 25,000:1, but it’s also 1080p.

Ideally, you want to select a projector that features a good balance between lumen output, contrast, and resolution. This will give you the best blend of depth and clarity.

If your theater room is dark, you want to prioritize a high contrast ratio and resolution over a high lumen output.

3D Support

Maybe you’re looking for a cheap projector with 3D support.

Now, you may think that you have to sacrifice some specs or increase your price range to buy a 3D projector. But this isn’t necessarily true.

There are many 3D units under $700.

One of the best options for 3D is the BenQ TH760. It’s a 1080p projector that puts out 3,000 lumens of brightness.

The only downside of this projector is that you’ll have to purchase your own 3D glasses. That said, generic 3D digital light processing glasses are good enough.

Another superb option in this price range is the Optoma HD 142x. It has a high contrast ratio, 3,000 lumens, and 1080p resolution.

Built-In Speakers

You may need a projector that features built-in speakers. While 2-watt speakers are enough for some, you probably want a bit more power.

If you’re looking for a cheap projector with good speakers, the BenQ TH760 will serve you well.

This unit costs less than $600 and features 10-watt built-in speakers. On top of that, the internal fan isn’t very loud, so you can expect a phenomenal audio experience at a bargain.

The aforementioned Optoma HD142X also has 10-watt speakers and costs about the same amount.

Getting the Most Out of Your Cheap Projector

There are several aspects to consider before choosing a cheap projector.

Make sure you decide what specs and features are most important to you before you make your final decision.

If you want to get the most out of your cheap projector, eliminate all ambient light in your viewing room. Additionally, make sure your ceiling and walls don’t reflect too much light, as this could reduce immersion.

Taking these steps will help you maximize your viewing experience.

Feel free to check out more articles from our blog if you’re looking for more insight on projectors. Also, contact us if you need help finding a cheap projector that suits your needs.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Quality Cheap Projector appeared first on HTP Reviews.

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Everything You Need to Know About the IMAX Home Theater

The action! The drama! The laughs!

Who doesn’t love movies?

For the movie fan, and in particular those who love the IMAX experience, the IMAX home theater is the true jewel in the crown of cinematic viewing.

While many families enjoy the chance to watch movies from the comfort of their own home through the use of their home theater set-up, the IMAX home theater represents the lofty heights to which only a select few may aspire. And while you may cringe at the price of your IMAX movie ticket, the cost point of the home theater version is beyond the wallets of most.

At a price of around half a million dollars, the IMAX home experience is clearly targeted to high net worth individuals. But we all can dream. So what could you expect to get in exchange for your cool $400K or more?

What Does The Theater Package Include?

Your immersive at-home IMAX theater experience offers a holistic movie-viewing sensory stimulus.

The package includes the latest in technological features including high-def curved-screen television, Blu-ray, DVD, CD, gaming, and karaoke capabilities. The system is designed to provide a multi-level entertainment experience and it does not disappoint.

The complete audio-visual combo uses innovation and cutting-edge technology to provide the viewer with sharp visuals, high-quality sound, and a user-friendly control system.

Size Does Matter

The definition of the IMAX trademark basically translates to a widescreen cinematography that is ten times larger than 35mm film. We’re talking big. So for a brand like this, you’d have to expect the home version to have a similar approach to size and scale.

If you do take the plunge into IMAX home theater ownership, you will need to set aside a dedicated room for the installation of the theater components. With three models requiring space from between 20 m2 and 150 m2, this is not the kind of home theater you can tuck away in a corner of your living room.

The IMAX models are designed to deliver quality viewing pleasure for from between 9 and 40 audience members. With these kinds of numbers, a theater room is essential.

IMAX Home Theater Models

The IMAX home theater is available in three models, from the “basic” Prestige to the optimum Platinum. The Prestige model is best suited for audiences of up to nine viewers and requires a dedicated space of between 20-40 m2.

The next step up is the Palais, requiring a theater space of between 45-70 m2. The Palais model is marketed as the ideal choice for close family and friends.

For an experience closest to a commercial theater, the Platinum model is the elite choice. This model will cost the buyer around $1 million and will provide viewing pleasure for audiences of up to 40 guests. Your theater room will need to be from 40-150 m2.

Privacy and Choice

To date, the IMAX home theater has enjoyed popularity in both the Middle East and China. And it’s not just because of the opportunity to demonstrate that the purchaser has money to spend on entertainment.

In a world of increasing security consciousness, the ability to watch the latest movie in the comfort and safety of your own home theater makes sense for those concerned with privacy. For many affluent individuals, it is not easy or safe to mingle with the crowds at the local movie theater.

By hosting your own movie session for hand-picked family, friends, and associates you can be sure that you’re in control of who you end up sitting next to.

Blockbuster Viewing

Along with the superior quality of viewing made possible through IMAX at-home systems, the IMAX experience includes the chance to watch the latest movies on demand.

A set-top box (costing an additional $10,000) enables the viewer to download and watch the latest IMAX releases. While it is not essential to add this feature to your IMAX package, if you’re spending $1 million on the theater system the extra $10K will not make much of a difference.

24/7 Service

The IMAX business model promises a complete turn-key home theater system. To facilitate this, the company offers 24/7, 365-day access to their Commercial Service Center.

IMAX’s service center provides response times of under 5 minutes, ongoing predictive maintenance, performance monitoring and tuning, and premium customer service. Their commitment is that your system will always run at its optimum level.

With the complex technology involved in this high-caliber entertainment system, access to around-the-clock professional assistance is probably a good idea.

An Eager Market

Movie watching is a pastime in hyper-growth within the Chinese marketplace. An average of 22 movie screens were built every day in China during 2015. With that kind of growth, China is poised to overtake the US in box office totals over the next few years.

As you may expect, the in-home IMAX movie experience has been well received within that country. After just ten months of the launch of the first showroom in Shanghai, 130 screens had been sold.

The theater systems are enjoying steady sales in the US but of course, these products are not pitched to the everyday consumer. So what are your alternatives if you want to enjoy the multi-level experience of your own home theater?

Alternative Home Theater Options

For those of us who enjoy movies but don’t have the bank account to support the purchase of the IMAX home theater, there are other options.

A more than adequate home theater can be assembled in your living room, complete with a quality home theater projector, speakers, and subwoofer to allow the full audio-visual experience. Of course, if you have the space for a dedicated viewing room all the better.

For a fully immersive movie experience, the viewer wants to feel as though they are actively there, right where the movie is playing out. Careful placement of your screen, speakers, and seating can help achieve this goal.

The design of your home theater doesn’t need to be expensive. Once you’ve selected a home theater project to meet your requirements your seating arrangements can be as simple as an old couch a few bean bags. And don’t forget the popcorn.

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5 Tips to Build Your Home Theater Room From Scratch

There’s something about watching a great movie that you absolutely love.

You’re always the first to pre-order tickets for the next summer blockbuster, and you’re who your friends go to when they want a movie recommendation for date night.

Despite your love of the movies, you’d prefer it if you could watch them in the comfort of your own home. Instead of dealing with the high price of movie tickets, long lines, or uncomfortable seats you’d much rather enjoy the latest hot movie at home. Luckily for you, plenty of people feel the same way.

In the past, a home theater was a fantasy for most people. But that fantasy has become a reality. With today’s modern tech it’s easier than ever to have a state of the art theater in your living room.

The Home Theater Renaissance

It’s official, the theater is making its debut in the average American household. Everyone has their own reasons for wanting a theater in their home but one reason why they’ve surged in popularity may be because of advances in technology.

If you wanted a home theater 15 years ago, you’d have to spend a lot of time and money on it. You’d need expensive and bulky speakers for sound (along with complicated wiring to set it up), special screens and projectors, and other equipment that the average homeowner wouldn’t have experience with.

Advances in entertainment tech have made setting up a home theater simple. Say goodbye to complicated audio wiring. You can get excellent sound from wireless and lightweight speakers.

Hi-def screens and projectors are standard now, so you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank on displays. Streaming services and deals with distributors have also made it possible for you to see some movies while they’re still in theaters.

Building Your Own Home Theater

As you can see, it’s possible for almost anyone to have their dream home theater. You may know that you want a home theater, but you may not know where to start.

You don’t have to be an A/V expert or engineer to have a theater in your own home. With the right knowledge, you can have the theater you’ve always wanted in no time.

Are you ready to start planning your theater? Follow these tips!

Keep Location in Mind

You may have always fantasized about transforming a certain room in your house into a theater, but its position in your home may make that problematic. Be sure to think about the location of the room and the surrounding area before you decide where to put your new theater.

A room that’s close to other bedrooms wouldn’t be ideal because the sound could keep people awake a night. A basement may seem like a good place for a theater, but if you’re using wireless speakers you could have reception issues because of its underground location.

Choose a room that’s out of the way of usual foot traffic. You’ll want an area that’s quiet and big enough to fit multiple people. Also be sure to consider potential noise, you may want to do some soundproofing regardless of where you choose.

Think About Your display

In the past, most home theaters would use projectors and pull down screens. Advances in LCD and HD tech have made excellent TVs, so now you could easily use one or the other and still have a beautiful picture.

When it comes to projectors and pull downs or TVs, it’s a matter of personal preference. If you want something that you’re already familiar with, you may feel more comfortable with big HD TV.

If you want to have a classic theater experience, you’ll want a projector and a pull-down screen. There are plenty of state of the art projectors you can use that can give you a crystal clear picture.

There’s no right or wrong way to display your movies. As long as you pick a method you can use, you’ll choose the right thing.

Don’t Forget Special Projector Features

If you’re going to use a projector, don’t just purchase the first thing in your price range. You should do some research to see what some brands truly have to offer.

Today’s projectors can do so much more than you’d think. Go beyond the basic features and look for one that can do something very unique.

Did you know that there are projectors that have 3D capabilities and even projectors that can show movies in 4K? You could have truly special movie screenings if you get a projector that has interesting features.

Think About Wiring

Even the most simple home theater setups are going to require wiring. Hooking up speakers, projectors, and screens will be the easy part. Keeping the wires out of site and out of the way of people will be the tough part.

Exposed wires pose a safety and equipment risk. You don’t want anybody to trip over them and potentially damage equipment. They also don’t look nice and could throw off the style of your carefully planned theater.

If you get a little creative, you can easily keep wires out of sight and out of the way. Some people try to run wires along the wall to keep them out of the way and out of sight. Consider using a throw rug or some runners to conceal wires that have to run along the floor area.

Get Comfortable Seating

After you have your equipment picked out, it’s time to think about an often neglected part of the home theater experience: seating. If you’re building a state of the art theater in your home, you don’t just want to sit on an old couch to watch a movie.

Think about the number of people you’ll have to entertain. If you have a theater in your house, expect to have guests come by. You’ll want to make sure that you can comfortably seat whoever wants to see a movie.

Get some new furniture when you finish setting up your theater. Couches may be comfortable, but they’ll be difficult to move if you have to rearrange things to accommodate people. Consider getting some comfortable recliners or classy leather chairs for your theater.

Next Steps

Now that you know how to set up a home theater, you’re probably eager to get started! Contact us so we can help you build your theater.

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Can I Use a Wall as a Projector Screen For My Home Theater System?

When it comes to watching something on a device, television still dominants the market. 99 percent of U.S. households own at least one TV and spend an average of 5 hours watching it.

With today’s technologies and mobile applications, people are constantly watching something on their smartphones or tablets. And it can be done anywhere – sitting on a couch, waiting in line or laying in bed.

Watching movies and TV shows on a laptop or a wide-screen smartphone might not be ideal. We always want a bigger, better and wider when it comes to screens. Have you ever considered using a projector to reenact a movie theater experience?

68 percent of US citizens go to the movies at least once a year and the majority of Americans prefer to trade a night out at the cinema for a night in watching movies.

That’s why buying a projector screen is the perfect way to enjoy a good movie and your favorite snack.

Even though the initial cost is slightly expensive, you don’t need to be a millionaire to afford a large-screen movie experience. It can be done on a budget.

Read on and learn how to prepare your wall for a new movie theater experience.

Comparison of a Projector Screen and a Wall

Projectors are one of those purchases where you get what you pay for. Whether you decide to have a mini movie theater or a big one, they can be expensive regardless your budget.

Comfortable chairs, couch, big white bedsheet and a projector is not enough to set up a proper home theater. You need a projector screen which can be costly as well.

The screen has a special coating that improves its reflective qualities, something that white walls do not do. If you don’t mind a lower-quality image, you can use your wall and save some money.

Remember that image streamed on a plain wall will have low color saturation and contrast compared to a projector screen. The black frame around the screen is one of the most important features; it boosts the quality of the image.

Don’t get discouraged. There is a way to fix your wall to use as a projector screen. Let’s get into this!

How to Use a Wall as a Screen

Having an ordinary wall as your screen is not ideal. It has a texture and imperfections, visible when you shine an image on it.

And to make your wall perfect for projector streaming, you need to take some additional steps. Here they are!

Paint the Wall

For high definition image, you need to invest in projector screen paint. It’s not an essential part but highly recommended for a much better experience.

The paint is translucent or reflective of all lights. Therefore it shows a great quality image.

Before buying that paint though, look at how many lumens your projector produces. If it produces more than 3,500 lumens, gray color is your go-to instead of a white one.

And if the area you identified as your screen isn’t white, you need to apply white wall primer before applying projection paint.

Inspect Any Imperfections

Once ready to paint, inspect the flaws of your wall. Turn the lights off, shine a flashlight onto the wall and look for bumps of paint or a minor dip. Mark them with a pencil and even it out.

Set Up the Projector

Install your device the way you want it to be. Make sure it aims perfectly on the wall where you want your projector screen to be. Don’t forget to measure the viewing distance as well.

Mark the Size of the Screen

After you install the projector, turn it on and aim to your wall to determine the size of your screen. Mark the areas with a light pencil or use tape for much neater edges.

Create a Frame for the Screen

Do you remember we said earlier that black frame around the screen enhances the contrast of the image? You can mirror this effect by using a black velvet tape to line the edges of the screen.

Best New Projectors to Project on Walls

There are new devices to the projector market thanks to technological developments. Those devices don’t require a special wall. It can project on any wall you have at home.

It’s great, isn’t it? No more stress and hustle to turn a plain wall into a screen.

Beam – a smart projector connects to your home’s Wi-Fi and streams an 854×480 image. It has a built-in remote and can be controlled from your tablet or smartphone. It’s easy to set up and has various features. The most distinguished one is an alarm clock displaying the weather and news on the wall after it rings.

Lazertouch Mini Projector –  a tiny projector turns any surface into a projected touchscreen. It creates an interactive whiteboard and is perfect for 3D movies, gaming, presentations or meetings. It’s like a typical tablet and has built-in Android system, 32GB storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, rechargeable battery, HDMI ports, headphones, speakers and Micro SD.

WowWee Cinemin Slice Pico Projector – displays anywhere you have a blank wall, even ceilings or the side of your house.

Sony’s Short-Throw Projector – a tiny projector with 1920×720 resolution has 100 lumens and an HDMI input enables you to connect it to your smartphone. The battery lasts for two hours, which is enough to watch two 40-minute episodes of your favorite TV show.

Wouldn’t it be nice to project movies anywhere in your home? And in today’s technological era, watching your favorite videos on the big screen in the comfort of your home have never been easier.

With portable projector devices, you can make any wall a suitable screen. And during warm summer nights, you can even organize open air movie nights in your backyard.

Are you in the market for a home movie theater? Or maybe you already have one? We would love to hear what devices you use. Leave your comments below.

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Why Your Home Theater Needs Excellent Surround Sound

Home theaters are a superb way to bring movies into your own home, especially if you’re a movie buff. Nothing beats the convenience and comfort of enjoying the latest Hollywood hit from your favorite armchair.

Of course, the perfect complement to your home theater projector is state of the art surround sound. If you’re going to visually transport yourself and your guests to a cinematic location, it makes sense to also provide high-quality audio.

Here we look at some of the many advantages of including surround sound in your home theater set-up.

What Is Surround Sound?

Surround sound is a system of three or more speakers which are placed around the audience. In this way, the sound appears to surround the listener as the audio reaches the ears from different locations. This enables a more holistic and realistic sound effect.

The use of speakers in home theater systems became popular in the mid-1990’s as technology started to move forward in leaps and bounds. This three or more speaker inclusion method can be accomplished through either an analog or digital system.

The 360 degree sound effect replicates the audio you hear at the movie theater as the sound comes from in front of you and from behind you. This creates a full immersion effect and enhances your home theater experience.

How Many Speakers?

Surround sound is defined by a sound system of three or more speakers. So what are the right amount of speakers? Will the addition of extra units make for a better audio experience?

The formula is simple. Choose the number of speakers that are right for you as the listener. Of course, you need to take into account the amount of space you have and the volume of noise produced but otherwise, there is nothing stopping you from completely surrounding yourself by sound.

The basic home theater sound system comprises of five speakers (left and right front, center front, and left and right side rear) and a sub-woofer. This versatile set-up is a great way to start.

From here, you can add more speakers to suit your preference. But be aware that adding extra speakers requires additional dollar outlay and more space. You’ll want to leave room for your audience!

Blockbuster Effects

We’ve all experienced the feeling that the speeding bus/car/jet plane (choose your mode of transportation) we are viewing on the movie screen is rumbling right under our seat.

This is the effect and level of interaction we’re looking for with a home theater system. A subwoofer produces the low-pitched audio or bass frequencies which can transport the listener to the road, track, or skies that they are viewing.

An ideal home theater sound package includes a subwoofer to provide the additional depth and point of difference which low-pitched sound delivers. Of course, if we’re on the subject of subwoofers, we could argue that two are better than one. But we’ll leave that choice up to you.

Enhance Your Sports Experience

Nothing surpasses the all-around enjoyment and immersion of being in the stands at a live game, of course. The crowds, the noise, the smell of popcorn and hotdogs – you can’t beat it.

However, the next best thing to a live game is bringing the game into your own home. Through the use of a multi-speaker sound system, you can hear the roar of the crowd around you, the shouts of the players in front of you, and the stadium announcer’s voice cutting through it all.

Expert placement of your speakers will ensure you are completely surrounded by the sounds of the big game. We’ll leave the popcorn up to you.

The Sound of Music

Music quality is certainly enhanced by the use of multiple speakers. Music is mixed for stereo sound, and the effect is at its best when enjoyed through at least two speakers.

If you plan on using your home theater projector to view mainly audio-visual movies it is advised that you choose the 5-speaker system discussed earlier. However, if you prefer music-based cinema, two speakers can be adequate.

But if you’re going to the time and effort to create optimal sound effects it pays to take into account all the uses for your sound system. Make the most of the technology available and create a full experience for the listener.

Wireless Speakers

The use of wireless speaker for your home theater system eliminates the need to track wires around your living space and cuts down the installation time. The sound is digitally transmitted to the speaker via radio or infrared transmission with no disadvantage to the sound quality.

The convenience and functionality of wireless speakers are a definite plus. The speakers are easily moved, allowing the audience to determine the premium location from which to receive the audio effect. The lack of wires makes for a tidy and efficient installation and aesthetic.

Wireless speakers are generally more expensive than wired units but shop around. Prices can vary considerably.

Your Complete Home Theater Experience

Whether you choose to put aside an area of your home or dedicate an entire room to your home theater set-up, the main point to keep in mind is the end result.

It is all very well to have a superb sound surround system in place, but if your home theater projector is of poor quality or too basic in its functions all your hard work becomes irrelevant. Be aware of the total effect of all components of your home theater and you can’t go wrong.

The creation of a home theater or home cinema can be a fun and worthwhile project. You and your family and friends are sure to get many hours of enjoyment from the completed set-up, especially if you are active movie watchers. It makes sense to take some time to plan the process in order to gain years of pleasure and quality viewing.

Why not take a moment or two to browse through some of our home theater projector recommendations? Lights, camera, action….

The post Why Your Home Theater Needs Excellent Surround Sound appeared first on HTP Reviews.

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Find the Best Home Projector Screen in 2017

There’s no better way to see a movie than at the cinema…

Except for the expensive tickets, difficult showing times, noisy audience and snacks so pricey they could bankrupt you. That’s why so many folks are opting for a home projector screen.

But with the projector market being as flooded as a midnight showing of a new Star Wars film, it can be tough to know which model is right for you.

That’s why we’ve created this list to help you find the best home projector screen in 2017. In this post, we’re going to cover a few size and price options. This way, you can find the perfect match for your home theater.

Let’s get to it!

Best Small Projector Screen: Elite Screen Sable Frame B2 92-Inch

If you don’t have a lot of space for your home theater (nothing wrong with a cozy experience) then this 92-inch Elite Screen may be just what you’re looking for.

This projector can be hung on your wall just like a painting or a poster. This is thanks to the tough but light aluminum frame.

It may be the smallest screen on the list, but don’t think that means it’s lacking quality. The 160-degree viewing angle and dense black finish absorb projector overshoot. This allows the movie to ‘pop out’ with even greater clarity.

The Sable Frame B2 is a no-nonsense, low-maintenance screen. Its mildew resistant material is easy to clean. Plus, it doesn’t crease up. This keeps your movie-viewing experience smooth and simple.

Even better, it comes with a 2-year warranty to give you peace of mind. It feels good knowing that if something were to go wrong, Elite Screen has got your back.

Best Medium-Size Projector Screen: Silver Ticket 100-Inch Screen

We think that this is one of the best value screens on the market in 2017. The features and the size don’t match the price tag! This allows you to to get a good quality screen without breaking the bank. The Silver Ticket 100-Inch Screen is perfect for those of you who have medium-sized walls available for a projector screen.

Plus, the flame resistant material the screen is made from makes it extra safe.

One of the drawbacks for the price is that once built it can’t be rolled up for storage. However, this is not a big deal for most of you who want to make a screen a permanent fixture. Still, it is an important thing to point out. Not only is the Silver Ticket great for home movie theaters, but it would be a good option for an office. This is due to its high quality and low price – an affordable option to spruce up those meetings.

As well as a setup guide, Silver Ticket has also produced a series of informative video guides for their customers. You can refer to it at any time.

They also offer an option for professional installation available for purchase through Amazon if it is required.

Best Large Projector Screen: Elite Screens 135-Inch ezFrame

This is without a doubt one of the best screens on the market.

Capable of 16:9 4k Ultra HD and Active 3D video this will give you that stellar quality video we all go to the movies for. The material of the screen allows for sound to travel through properly. This means that it’s a good fit if you have a behind-the-screen speaker system.

This massive 135-inch screen will give you the larger-than-life experience you are after.

You will pay top dollar for this product, but Elite Screen is one of the biggest and best names in the market. Besides, in this case, you really do get what you pay for.

Best Outdoor Screen: Airblown 39121-32 123 x 77-Inch

Outdoor screens are great for block parties, family barbecues, community events or just those late summer nights.

Forget a drive-through movie, why not set up the Airblown outdoor screen in your back garden?

This screen comes with a full package including:

A storage bag

Stakes

Tethers

Easy setup instructions

Our favorite thing about the Airblown is that it is self-inflating, making the whole experience very seamless.

Plus, with free shipping and an affordable price, you may actually end up saving money on a summers’-worth of family movie tickets.

Best Portable Projector Screen: Pyle PRJTP Video Screen

The Pyle PRJTP is a tripod projector that can be easily packed up and moved around. This makes it a great solution if you are looking for something portable. You even have further options when it comes to size, as it is available in a 40 or 50-inch version.

We can see the PRJTP being used best in schools, offices or by people who are on the road a lot.

Best Storable Screen: Vivo 100-Inch

Let’s face it, one of the biggest things holding people back from owning a home theater is that they don’t have space for one.

That’s why we love the Vivo 100-Inch.

This motorized screen can be controlled via remote control to store itself when not in use. This function can also be used to set how big you want the screen to be, all from the comfort of a couch (or boardroom chair.)

The electric motor is quiet and built to last. In fact, the screen itself is durable. Also, like the others on the list can be easily cleaned with some soap and water. With a 100-inch screen, this product will be big enough to match most of your projecting needs. It is also small enough to not have to knock down a wall to install it.

Thanks to its storage options you can easily install it in a place with multi-purpose. This is a great compromise if you are still negotiating a way to install a home theater…

Pick the right gear with Home Theater Previews

At Home Theater Previews, we pride ourselves at helping movie lovers pick out the best gear. Our insider knowledge and reviews will allow you to make informed and smart purchases so you can enjoy movies your way.

If you liked this guide on the best home projector screen, then be sure to check out our other reviews.

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What Type of Home Theater Seating Should I Chose?

Most people only ever manage to build home theaters in their dreams.

As such, those of us who get to turn that dream into a reality take the opportunity seriously.

Everything from the lighting to the projector has to be perfect, so we consider all of the possible design ideas.

One element of the viewing experience that people might overlook, however, is their home theater seating options. Some people, for example, quickly settle for traditional theater seats without doing further research. Others don’t give a second thought to the material their seats are made of.

You, on the other hand, won’t make the same mistakes because we’re giving you the rundown on what type of seating you should choose for your home theater in 3…2…1…

Action.

Deciding On Materials

Even when people aren’t being extremely picky about their home theater seating options, they always know that they want something comfortable at the very least. As you’ll soon find, though, comfort is not determined by material alone.

That said, we’ll be going over two popular materials in this section: leather and suede. We’ll talk preferences, climate, and more.

Leather

The smell of leather is familiar to many of us. Many of our viewing experiences at theaters have often been accompanied by it.

Even so, it’s not always ideal for theater seating. It has its limitations, the biggest of which is its lackluster ability to trap warmth.

To be fair, we’re not saying that your leather seats will make you cold. Leather can, in fact, provide varying degrees of warmth. Top-grain leather, for example, provides less warmth than some types of synthetic leather.

The fact remains, however, that leather is not the warmest material you could choose for your personal theater.

Despite that fact, we’re not warning you away from leather. There are plenty of reasons to choose leather over some other materials.

If, for instance, you live in a warmer clime, leather could be just the thing you need. It would certainly keep you cooler as you watched movies in your home theater.

We also feel the need to point out that leather is more resistant to stains than some other options. Keep in mind, though, that not all leather is created equal. Top-grain leather, for example, happens to be more stain resistant than other types of leather.

Suede

Yes, we know: Suede is a type of leather. Still, we chose to give this material its own section because it’s a markedly different type of leather. “Markedly different” here means that it is leather with a napped surfaced.

Suede can completely change your viewing experience in a couple of ways. First and foremost, it tends to be a little more expensive than other types of leather. It’s definitely the material to choose if you’re building your theater on a budget.

Further still, the material is thinner and more fragile. You can more easily stain and damage it than you can other types of leather.

Of course, suede has its advantages. It’s soft to the touch, and it provides a ton of warmth. It’s a great choice for people who live in colder climes.

And, obviously, not such an ideal choice for, say, Californians who can’t beat the heat.

Choosing a Type of Seat

Now that we’ve worked out what kind of materials are suited to certain situations, we can talk about choosing a type of seat. Many of us are used to sitting in traditional theater seats, but home theater seating options go far beyond traditional.

Let’s take a look at some of the options you have for your home theater.

Chaise Loungers

Chaise loungers allow many viewers what some think of as the ultimate level of comfort. Some of them give viewers the ability to practically lie down and watch films.

And, yes, you can throw love seats and sofas in here as well. Some people do include these things in their home theaters.

While they’re comfortable, there are some drawbacks. For one, they’re large, so you can’t fit many in your theater. It’s also not as easy to mount them if you have a tiered floor.

We’d also argue that it’s not very practical to mount them in many cases.

Traditional Theater Seats

Traditional theater seats are more limited than the other options we’ve listed here. They’re still, however, solid options and can be comfortable.

They’re especially nice if you have a tiered floor. Traditional theater chairs are easy to mount. Not only that, but they take up considerably less space than chaise loungers.

Oh, and they might also be a bit cheaper than chaise loungers depending on what material they’re made of.

As an added bonus, they’ll probably add value to your home since you’ll probably be less inclined to detach them from the floor than your chaise loungers when it’s time to move.

Reclining Seats

Reclining seats provide viewers with the best of both worlds. They allow viewers to either sit as they would in a traditional seat or get somewhat close to lying down as if they were in a chaise lounger.

As a result, some people just settle for reclining seats. They can’t be bothered to poll everyone they know and find out their preferences.

But, hey, who could blame them? Reclining seats are an excellent compromise.

Regardless of which type of you seat you choose, just make sure that you place your seats nicely. Take the room’s size into consideration and place the seats accordingly. The last thing you want is nice seats that give you and your visitors a less than optimal view of the screen.

Perfecting Your Home Theater Seating & Experience

Yep. We’ve made a huge deal out of home theater seating options here today.

But we regret nothing because sometimes the right seat makes the movie.

Now that you’ve worked your seating arrangements out, how about you start focusing on upgrading your projector? If you’ve taken a look around our site, you already know how eager we are to help you out in that area.

And if you’ve already perfected your home theater experience? How about sharing the love with everyone else? There are plenty of readers who would love to hear about how you’ve designed your theater.

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Are Home Cinema Systems Good For Playing Music?

Do you consider yourself a movie buff and an audiophile?

If so, you might wonder whether a home cinema system meets both of these needs.

You know the incredible opportunities your home theater provides. You can stream with ease and even play video games. Rest assured, you can play quality music, too.

Surround sound revolutionized the sonic experience for movie watching. It can deliver the same immersion for music!

In this article, I’ll explain how speakers function and what requirements a home theater must meet for quality music listening.

How Loudspeakers Work In and Out Of Home Cinemas

A loudspeaker needs two separate types of signals to work.

The first allows your speaker to access the music you select. This music takes the form of electrical impulses or the audio signal as we know it.

Next, your speaker needs to convert the electrical impulses it received into a distinguishable sound you can hear. To do this, the speaker needs an amplifier connection powered by battery or home AC power.

Home Cinema Speaker Requirements

In a traditional wired setup, the audio signal and necessary power pass through a wire connection from an amplifier.

In a wireless home cinema setup, you will need both a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits the audio signal. The receiver receives this signal.

While deemed “wireless” the speaker still needs a physical connection to preamp outputs on a receiver. Or, in the case of your home cinema, a built-in or plug-in wireless transmitter sends music into a speaker or secondary amplifier with a built-in receiver.

But, alas, you still need power!

In a wireless setup, your speaker needs to be physically attached to a power source and amplifier. The amplifier may built-in to the speaker or attached by a wire.

Battery powered amplifiers attached to your speaker by wire limit the output of power over time.

As you can see, the process of creating sound requires quality equipment. There are a lot of home cinema products out there. Often, a lack of transmission standards hampers home theater systems.

How can you know which products to trust?

The Wireless Speaker and Audio Association (WiSA) formed in 2011. WiSA developed standards for home audio products. This results in viable products for you, the consumer.

Still wondering how your system fares when it comes to music? Let’s dive in!

You know the technical aspects of how speakers create sound. Let’s talk about the best way to experience that sound.

Surround Sound or Stereo?

When it comes to watching movies you trust in surround sound.

But do you know the difference between surround sound and stereo sound?

Surround sound envelops you in a sound-field. This sound field extends in front of you, to your sides, behind you, and even above you.

If you’re looking for an immersive sound experience, look no further.

What does surround sound look like?

A typical surround sound setup uses five speakers:

Three installed along your front wall (the wall with your television)

One or two speakers on your side or rear walls

Stereo sound creates a sound-field akin to a performance stage in front of you. Stereo recreates sound anywhere within boundaries of the imaginary stage.

The setup requires a front left and a front right speaker.

For the die-hard audiophile, optimizing your stereo setup means sitting in the center of both speakers. Here, you can hear elements of music as the sound engineer intended them.

Sitting in any other spot skews the sound toward the closest speaker. Consider this like sitting at a drive-in theater. The speaker hangs from your car window, hundreds of feet from the screen.

This can result in off-putting sound.

Professionals record music in stereo sound. However, this does not mean you should count surround sound out. Where stereo can produce skewed sound quality, surround sound offers even distribution.

Your home theater can play music well. The key to ensuring this? Know your performance standards.

Performance Standards

Comparing audio systems sometimes proves more difficult than we first thought. Consider the following factors while making your decision.

1) Sensitivity

Sensitivity refers to the speakers’ ability to convert power into volumes. We measure power in watts. We measure volume in decibels.

The higher the speaker’s sensitivity, the less power the speaker needs to deliver quality sound. This means higher the speaker’s sensitivity, the clearer and louder the sound your hear.

Producing higher volume with fewer power results in speaker longevity.

2) Frequency Response

Humans can hear frequencies ranging between 20 and 20,000 Hertz or Hz. You will feel lower frequencies (frequencies below 35 Hz) more than you will hear them. Subwoofers produce these lower frequencies.

Pay close attention to the frequency response rate of any audio product. This will dictate the kind of sound experience each speaker offers.

3) Power Handling

Do you know how much power a speaker can handle before undergoing damage? Power handling tells you this in watts.

4) Impedance

Impedance refers to the amount of electrical resistance presented against the alternative current flowing from a speaker’s outputs.

Your speaker produces sounds at many frequencies. Impedance varies because of this.

A product’s manufacturer will detail an impedance figure. 8 ohms remains a normal figure.

Make sure your receiver matches the load from your speaker.

You Can Play Quality Music On A Home Cinema System

A home cinema makes listening to music an immersive experience.

The question of whether it can produce quality audio output comes down to specs and preference.

When shopping around, you should review the specs of each individual product. Consider the sensitivity, frequency response rate, power handling and impedance.

This may take some time but will prove worth it in the end.

The best system for your personal audio playback depends on your preferences as well.

But do you want a wireless setup? How much equipment are you willing to welcome into your space?

You can experience quality music with a home cinema system. Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to build the listening experience of your dreams!

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What You Need to Know About Troubleshooting a Home Theater System

Having a home theater system is becoming more and more common in the United States. 

This is likely because these days, more people prefer to watch a movie from the comfort of their couch than go to out to the cinema. 

After all, what’s not to love about a home theater system? You don’t have anyone talking loudly on their cellphone behind you, you don’t have to race through dinner to make your movie, and you can wear your pajamas. 

Everything is going great…until one day, something goes wrong. What can you do to fix it? How can you troubleshoot it on your own? When do you know it’s time to see a professional?

Relax. We’ve got you covered. In this post, we’re telling you everything you need to know about how to troubleshoot your home theater system. 

If You’re Experiencing Loudspeaker Issues…

When the issue is with sound, it’s likely that a singular speaker is the problem. To identify what’s going on, first try to link up the problem speaker (“Speaker 1”) to a different channel (we’ll call this “Channel 2.” “Channel 1” will be the channel the problem speaker was on in the first place.) 

If, even on Channel 2, the speaker still doesn’t work, you know you have an issue. What you don’t know is if it’s the channel or the loudspeaker that’s causing the problem. 

To figure this out, try to connect another speaker (“Speaker 2”) to Channel 1. Does Speaker 2 sound just as bad as Speaker 1? If not, it’s an issue with the speaker. If so, it’s an issue with the channel. 

Unfortunately, if the problem is with the speaker, then it’s time to get out your warranty papers and hope that your speaker will still be covered. It’s likely that you’ll either need a new speaker or that you’ll need to make a call to tech support.

If your problem is with the channel, then you can get new speaker wire. Hopefully, connecting a new speaker wire to the bad channel will solve the problem.  

However, if a new speaker wire doesn’t fix things, it’s not over yet. 

The problem could also be with the channel’s amplifier. Sometimes (in a best case scenario) it’s as easy as cleaning out the amplifier’s inside with canned air.

Other times, you could have a short circuit on your hands. At this stage, unless you feel confident in your abilities, we’d suggest calling in professional help. 

If Your System Won’t Turn on…

First of all, just make sure that your surge protector is actually plugged in. It’s surprising just how easily these things can slip out of the socket.

If you’re still not getting any kind of reception, then check and see if the cable box itself is actually connected to your TV. Also, make sure that your TV is actually turned to the correct channel (for most, that will either be Channel 3 or 4.) 

If you’re working with a High Definition (HD) system, then you need to make sure your TV connects to the system on the DVI or HDMI inputs. 

If Your DVD Is Jammed Or Not Playing Properly…

Surprisingly, some of this may have more to do with the age of your DVD player than anything else. Sometimes, older players have a hard time synching up with newer DVDs. 

Other times, of course, it could be the DVD itself. That copy of Casablanca you’ve watched thousands of times? Chances are, it’s a little scratched. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in a DVD cleaning system to keep DVDs in tip-top shape. 

Finally, your DVD player could simply be dirty. We know it sounds too good to be true, but you’d be surprised how often a large clump of dust can seriously back things up. Use lens cleaner to gently wipe down the inside of your DVD player (while it’s unplugged, of course!)

If that doesn’t work, it’s time for professional help…or a new DVD player. 

If Your Image Quality Is Poor…

You didn’t get a home theater system so you could watch grainy or highly pixelated movies. This is one of the most frustrating things to deal with, but luckily there are lots of fixes out there. 

Start by checking the weather. Yes, you read that right. If it’s especially stormy outside, you could experience some service interruptions. 

Other times, your cable might not be fully connected to your projector or television. If your cable is connected, then the cable itself might be the problem. Switch out the cable to see if that’s the case. 

If the color on your screen doesn’t seem right, then first check to see if your colors still look grey on different sources. 

If that’s still true, then it’s time to ensure that your color preference setting haven’t been tampered with. If so, there are usually plenty of preset color options that you can quickly restore your settings to. 

You can also play around with these preset options until you settle on a level of saturation that floats your boat. 

If Your HDMI Connection Is Acting Up…

This is a common problem, and unfortunately fixing it is a little more complicated than most other issues.

Essentially, the issue likely lies in the order in which you’re turning your different systems on. It’s all about finding the exact right order. Should you turn your DVD player on first, then your TV, then the HDMI? Or should you flip that order? 

Sometimes, it’s all about trial and error. 

You Can Now Troubleshoot Your Home Theater System

Thanks to this article, the next time your home theater system experiences a glitch, it won’t be the end of the world. 

Apply these tips to prevent a meltdown, finish your movie in peace, or avoid having to deal with the expense of a professional repair service. 

Looking to learn more about home theaters? Need advice on the best projector systems to buy? From reviews, expert blog posts, and detailed product descriptions, we have everything you need. 

We invite you to browse our website and to contact us with any questions!

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The 9 Best Home Theater Projectors of 2017

Think of your ideal home theater – spacious seating, your favorite snacks, maybe some blankets and other accessories.

At the center of this image is the main attraction. The movie or video playing has everyone’s attention, and you get to relax in the comfort of your home. But the most important piece is missing!

How are you displaying the video? Which projector have you chosen to set the scene?

There is a wide range on the market today due to their various forms of use. Home theater projectors fall somewhere in the middle of business and gaming purposes.

They can vary along a wide range of pricing, lumens, lifespan and display options.

To make things easier, here are the 9 best home theater projectors of 2017. In groups of under $500, under $1,000, and top of the line segments, you can find all projectors mentioned here.

Best Home Theater Projectors Under $500

1. DiHome LCD Mini Video Projector

The DiHome is ideal for users looking to get an incredible experience at an affordable rate. If your home theater is on the smaller side, this model is a good starting point.

For less than $100 you get the basic functions of a projector at an average performance.

What is basic function? This projector will last 50,000 hours at 12,000 lumens. Bonus – hook it up to your TV, DVD player, or computer with available USB port, HDMI, AV, VGA, and remote control.

2. BenQ Video Projector with SVGA Display (MS524A)

This model BenQ comes ready to go for projection needs in light or dark rooms and regular or 3-D settings. It gets the job done at a low rate of energy consumption with up to 10,000 hours on SmartEco Power Saving Technology

Note color options are limited and if you are eager to start using 3-D, make sure you have glasses ready to go.

3. ViewSonic PJD5155 3300 Lumens SVGA HDMI Projector

The ViewSonic display varies from 30” to 300” diagonal length. It works best in small rooms, but can perform in larger areas when needed (like the backyard).

Distance it with caution, as subtitles display best up-close.

No matter the setting, 10,000 hours on eco-mode make sure this projector lasts in your home theater for a good while.

4. BenQ Video Projector with WXGA Display (MW526A)

Up next is a BenQ ready for many settings, literally. Its 3,300 lumens perform in dark or moderately bright rooms and there are 6 video modes to chose from.

You can adjust picture size from a single spot using lens shift, or even hook it up to a gaming console. With a range of 7 to 30 feet, it will be hard to find a room where this cannot become your new home theater’s main attraction.

5. Epson EX3240 SVGA 3LCD Projector 3200 Lumens Color Brightness

This is a good option for extreme action movies or taking to the office for a big presentation. Its color and display work well without the price tag of HD, and it can display text clearly in a bright room.

A note for movie lovers – you will need a separate sound system as there is no audio output.

Best Home Theater Projectors Under $1,000

6. BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector (W1070)

The HD 1080p is ready to go for high detail (again, hello action films). This model offers 6 video modes to find the best compatibility for your video source.

Better for small areas, distance ranges anywhere from 4 to 20 feet at a 60” to 120” diagonal.

There’s that SmartEco Technology again. It reduces power consumption and offers more depth in black levels. In other words, more green and more “wow” when viewing.

7. Optoma HD27 1080p 3D DLP

At a comparable price to an LED TV, the Optoma Home Theater Projector can display your favorite movie as well as your children’s favorite video game.

Enjoy it in the light of day at 3,200 lumens or dim things down a bit. But, make sure it is at least 10 feet away from your screen.

Note – the best audio will come with a home surround sound system, and it will help from noticing the loud fan cooling.

8. BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector (HT2050)

Gamers and (home) movie-goers alike can enjoy this BenQ projector.

The DLP 1080p offers great 2D and 3D at 2,000 lumens. It stands out against similar-price models in rainbow artifact performance, but not for black and white movies.

Best for smaller rooms at a display of about 15 feet and the sound system can stand on its own when necessary. Plus, there is an audio output to pair with your home theater’s sound system.

Best Top of the Line Home Theater Projectors

9. Epson Home Cinema 5040UB

For those looking to get the most out of their home theater projectors, the Epson Home Cinema is ready to perform. Colors with this model make a statement from DVD to Blue-ray and video games.

This is partially due to 4K enhancement. It is a niche entering the market, usually at a much higher cost, that shifts pixels in a subtle way. It makes a big difference for the viewer experience, which we mentioned in our review.

To make other minor adjustments to the lens, this projector comes with a remote and 10 memory settings to save your favorites for later.

No matter the choice, home theater projectors come down to a few basic categories. Your choice should be suitable for the size of the theater, the length from the screen, and intended purpose.

Intended purpose gets more personal since each consumer is different. Consider whether you want your projector to stay in one place, or be able to go from home to office when necessary.

Is it for movies alone, or are there gamers in your household?

Do you have a sharp eye for contrasts and color resolution, or are you just looking to enjoy a movie from time to time?

Finding the best home theater projector to fit these needs can get overwhelming. That’s why we are here to help.

Contact us today for any specific inquiries on creating your perfect home theater!

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5 Easy Steps to Mount Your Home Theater Projector

When you want to capture the magic of the movies at home, home theater projectors are the best option. But there’s a big misconception that getting them set up is a difficult and time-consuming process.

Don’t let the idea of installation trip you up. We’ve broken the process down into five easy steps so you can ensure your new home theater is ready for movie night. Here’s the breakdown on how to mount your new home theater projector.

1. Select your screen location

The first thing to consider when shopping for a projector is whether you’ll be using a projection screen or blank wall as your projection surface. While a flat wall is typically fine for naturally dark areas of your home like basements, screens are recommended across the board for their ability to dampen ambient light and improve image quality.

When you’re ready to install your home theater projector setup, it’s a good idea to mark everything out with painters tape first. This ensures the least amount of damage to your walls and ceiling while allowing you to make any necessary adjustments during the process.

Important factors for screen location are:

Direct and ambient lighting: Light washes out projected images, hindering your image’s color accuracy and brightness. Try to choose a location without a competing light source nearby.

Height above the floor: In general, the bottom of your screen should be about 24″ to 36″ off the floor. However, this number may be higher if you have furniture that will sit below the screen or want to accommodate additional rows of seating.

Ideally, your audience members shouldn’t have to tilt their heads up more than 15° to view the screen. Refer to your user manual for your projector’s recommended screen size, then mark your ideal screen viewing area with painters tape.

2. Choose your projector location

Purchasing your home theater projector at the same time as your screen ensures maximum compatibility across useful features like mounting options and rear projection capabilities. What you purchase will determine your installation options, but usually, they are:

front-facing table-top

front-facing ceiling

rear-facing table-top

rear-facing ceiling

Note that if you decide to go with a ceiling mount, it’s a good idea to consult with a home theater installer to ensure your ceiling can support the equipment.

Figure out your throw distance

The throw distance of a projector is how far your projector should be mounted from your screen and can be found in your product manual. A range of numbers indicates that the projector can make adjustments to a variety of distances using optical zoom. Meanwhile, a single number indicates that the projector must physically be moved closer or farther away from the screen to get the best image quality.

The exact distance in inches can be determined with some simple multiplication:

Throw Distance x Width of Screen in Inches = Distance From Screen to Projector Lens

When you’ve determined the distance from the lens to your screen or wall, use painter’s tape to mark it on your ceiling or floor.

3. Mount the projector

Lower quality mounts have the tendency to drift out of alignment over time and can be tricky when it comes to making precision adjustments. Overall though, mounts are usually made of two pieces: the ceiling plate and the projector plate. And they’re usually pretty simple to install:

Begin by leveling the projector plate on top of the projector. Follow your mount’s instructions to connect the pieces.

Attach the projector plate to the ceiling plate. At this point, the mount and projector should be assembled on your floor.

Measure the exact distance from your projector lens to the front of its attached ceiling plate. Return to the spot you marked on the ceiling for your throw distance earlier, and mark where the projector mount should be situated.

Separate your ceiling mount from the projector, and attach it securely to a ceiling joist using at least two lag bolts (consult your mount instructions for the manufacturer’s recommendation).

When the mount is secure, lift your projector and affix it to the mount. Attach whatever video or power cables you’ll need, and zip tie them to the mount to keep them out of the way for now.

Always refer to your product instructions when installing projector mounts, and be sure to use any safety screws included in the packaging for added security.

4. Mount the screen

How you mount your screen will vary by product, but the process itself is pretty straightforward:

Assemble the frame for your screen by following the product’s instructions.

Have a friend help you position the frame against the wall and level it.

Locate studs and mark where the frame will be installed.

Attach the screen to the frame and double-check that it’s level.

Install the fully assembled screen and frame where you have marked on the wall.

Now that your screen, projector, and mount are up, it’s time to fine tune your projector’s image settings.

5. Optimize your home theater projector settings

There are a number of settings you can use to customize to your home theater setup, but the most important ones are:

Zoom: Usually controlled by a ring near the lens, make your image slightly larger than your screen to ensure a polished look.

Focus: Also typically controlled by a ring near the lens, adjust until your image appears razor sharp.

Roll: Use a level to adjust your mount to be completely flat and even with the ground. Uneven roll will make your image appear slightly titled.

Pitch: Use a level to adjust your mount to be perpendicular to the screen so the sides of your image are perfectly parallel. If the image is projecting slightly up or down, the projection won’t be a true rectangle.

Yaw: Adjusting yaw requires moving the projector side to side until the image is centered horizontally on your screen.

Getting your settings right is a tricky process. Keep in mind that you may need to shift between settings multiple times and use your lens shift settings to get it just how you want it.

The show must go on

Installing a new home theater system can seem daunting, but we’ve got even more tips to make the process quick and easy. Once your home theater projector is up and running, follow these steps to get streaming!

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The 10 Best Home Theater Design Ideas

Everyone loves a night at the movies.

What if you could bring the experience of a darkened movie theater into your own home? 

Home theater setups are more advanced than ever. Projectors, sound systems, and players bring cinema-quality entertainment right into your home.

But where do you start with finding the right projector for you?

Let’s take a look at our list of the 10 best home theater design ideas

1. For the Movie Lover

The best thing about a home movie theater is right there in the name: having a movie theater at home.

Recreate your local movie theater at home with a good surround sound system and a high-performance projector, like the BenQ HT2050. HD quality projection provides the crisp picture quality you expect from a trip to the cinema.

From there, it’s simple. Spruce up the place with a few straight-backed chairs, some choice framed movie posters, and maybe an old-timey popcorn machine.

Voila! A true-to-life home movie experience.

2. For the Gamer

Home theater can be a looser term for some. It doesn’t always have to mean “for movies”. 

As console and PC gaming becomes more popular, many enthusiasts are turning to home theater setups to enjoy their games. 

A popular projector option for its brightness is the Epson 5040UB. With 2500 lumens and picture quality in full HD 1080p, this is one gaming projector that doesn’t play games.

Hook up your console, gaming PC, or classic gaming platform, or cast your phone, and enjoy low-lag gaming.

3. On a Budget

There is a misconception about home theaters, and that’s that they’re only for the rich and wealthy among us.

With the right setup, though, it’s easy to churn out a home theater experience on a tight budget.

The Optoma HD27 lives up to this manufacturer’s reputation for high-quality projection at a fantastic price. At just over $1,000, for 1080p with 3,200 lumens, it’s a strong product for a relatively low price.

Set it up in your living room, with a simple 5.1 surround sound system and blackout curtains. All you’ll need after that are some old couches, and you’ll be watching movies in style in no time.

4. For the Family

Creating the best home theater for your family means being prepared for anything. 3D movies for the kids, or gaming for the teens. 

Date night for mom and dad.

The Sony Home Theater VPLVW350ES 4K provides solid performance and reduces digital noise. Vibrant colors bring movies to life, and slightly lower input lag than 

5. An Adult Experience

When it comes to best home theater designs, there’s always time for a few drinks with friends.

Drinks. Music. A few good movies, or internet video channels. It’s the quintessential home theater experience.

Set up a small cocktail bar, with a little bit of subdued lighting. Connect a 5.1 Sound System and subwoofer to your ViewSonic PJD5155 SVGA HDMI Projector. Then sit back and enjoy for a high-quality projection that’s easier on your budget.

They say you can’t buy class. With this setup, you’re about to prove them wrong.

6. Multipurpose Entertainment

Of course, not everyone wants to do only one thing with their home theater system.

Are you a gamer, who likes to watch a BluRay on the weekends?

Maybe you have friends who want to try out their PS4 on the screen you usually use for movie nights?

What you need is a multipurpose theater setup that can do it all!

The lightweight, affordable BenQ MS524A is a fantastic longterm option for multipurpose entertainment. With up to 10,000 hours runtime on its longlife bulb, and extensive connectivity, computers, laptops, and gaming consoles get set up quick.

7. Something a Bit More Intimate

The term “home theater” tends to make people think of a large space.

With the right equipment, however, you can set one up in almost any sized home. 

Got a studio apartment with not much space? Share a house with others, where the only theater space is your bedroom? Whatever the setup, you’ll want a balance of picture quality and all-in-one design.

The Epson EX3240 uses a lightweight design, incorporating onboard sound and SVGA picture quality. For better sound, you’ll want to look into an external speaker system, but for space saving design, this is one model that can’t be beat.

8. Bigger is Better

Not all theaters are created equal.

For some cinephiles, space is everything.

Create a bigger, better home theater experience, with plush sleeper couches, recliners, and throw pillows.

For large groups of guests, arrange the furniture in rows for easier viewing. Take some time to decorate with spotlamps, wall hangings and a nice rug. With the right decor, even the biggest, emptiest home theater can become cosy.

As far as projectors go, you’ll be able to show high-quality movies for an impressive price with the BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector.

9. The Classic Man Cave

Home theater setups have entered a modern age. Families gather to watch 3D TV screens. Friends watch sports matches on curved screens, and kids play Wii games on projections bigger than they are.

But there is one home theater design that holds a special place in every man’s heart.

The man cave. That home away from home where all men go to be by themselves. This is your place, and it is a home theater like no other.

Neon bar signs, an electric guitar or two hung from the walls, and a few leather sofa chairs (tastefully done in cherry red), and you’re good to go for layout. What you’ll need next is a projector and sound installation system.

A subwoofer and 5.1 sound system should keep you rocking out to the music of your youth, late into the night. For gaming purposes, the BenQ MW526A offers adequate picture and quality.

10. The Theater of Sports 

Finally, we have the shrine to sports.

Invite the guys from the bar to watch the Maple Leafs win the 1942 Stanley cup, or tune in to this year’s Superbowl.

With cold beers in the fridge, some plush furniture, and a Dihome LCD Mini Video Projector, you’ll have everything you need to see the next game in style.

The Best Home Theater System for You

So what makes the perfect theater system for home use? Well, that all depends on what you’re using it for.

Visit us for more information on the newest and best home theater projector reviews and articles, and find the right one for you.

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Learn to Make Your Home Theater 3D

Home theaters are an asset to any home.

They’re a great place to relax with your family and friends, they work wonders on finally getting your kids to calm down, and they can even be beautiful architecture and design elements.

For all these reasons and more, home theaters are only getting more and more popular. In fact, researchers estimate that by the year 2020, the home theater market will be valued at around $28 billion!

Whether you’re considering getting a home theater, or if you’re looking for ways to take the one you already have to the next level, making your home theater 3D is a great thing!

In this post, we’re telling you why you should make your home theater 3D.

We’ll also talk about what the process of getting one is like, and how to make the most of your in-home viewing experience!

Why Should I Make My Home Theatre 3D?

Before we talk about anything else, let’s discuss why having a 3D home theater is so awesome.

It Enhances The Viewing Experience

Think about your favorite thing to watch. Maybe you love action movies, sports sagas, or maybe you just want to watch your favorite TV show in your home theater.

Wouldn’t all those things be better in 3D, so you could have the experience that the action on the screen really is happening right before your eyes? By making your home theater 3D, you can be totally immersed in a movie or even a video game.

It’s More Convenient

Also, while making your home theater 3D will give you the same experience as a movie theater, there are a few added conveniences that we think will make it even better.

One, you can stop and pause your movie at any time. This means that you don’t have to miss the biggest plot twist because you had to refill your popcorn. Two, you don’t have to wear those glasses that have been worn by who knows how many other people.

Finally, you can leave annoying audience members behind and enjoy your movie without listening to the guy behind you talk to his cousin on his cell phone.

They Also Work As 2D Options

We see a lot of people who think that, once they commit to a 3D home theater system, they’ll never be able to watch 2D again. This isn’t the case!

First of all, you can still watch 2D movies in 2D. However, thanks to exciting new developments, it’s also now possible to convert 2D movies into 3D – sometimes even in real time! Now that’s cool.

What’s The Process Like?

Now that you know why 3D home theaters are such a great choice, let’s go over a few more things that you need to know when it comes to the overall process of watching your favorite movies in 3D.

Will I Need Glasses?

This is one of the most common questions we get! At this stage in the game, you will likely still need to use 3D glasses in your home theater.

There are a few options that allow you to watch 3D without glasses, but the majority of projectors still require them.

For most people, this isn’t a problem. However, if you seem to always have trouble finding a pair that’s both comfortable and stays on, there are lots of options out there to make your viewing experience better.

Choose the pair that’s right for you!

How Does It Work?

Everyone is always curious about how 3D projectors actually work! In a nutshell, your 3D glasses actually show each of your eyes a different image at the same time. This, in turn, helps to create a sense of depth.

But glasses aren’t the only things you need to make 3D work. This is where the projector itself comes in. Essentially, the projector has a filter on it that makes light waves move in opposite directions (one for each eye.) Your glasses are what brings those two lightwaves to you, and your brain does the rest.

What About Blu-Ray?

Of course, you probably already know that many of the available 3D titles are put out on 3D Blu-ray discs.

Especially if you have a large collection of Blu-ray films, you want to be sure you have the right equipment to make it possible to watch them in your 3D home theater!

Remember that you need to look specifically for a 3D-enabled Blu-ray player. Don’t worry, though – you’ll still be able to watch normal DVDs, 2D films, and even play some CDs on a 3D player.

How Can I Find A Good 3D Video Projector?

There are lots more 2D video projector options available than you might think.

Often, this means that finding the perfect one for you is even easier! Make sure you look for an option that is compatible with 3D specifications or is enabled for 3D projections.

These are things like OLED, LCD, DLP, and even your old Plasma! Make sure that, whichever option you go with, that it is compatible with your TV system.

Ready To Make Your Home Theater 3D?

As you can see from this article, there are a lot of different factors you’ll need to consider when it comes to making your home theater 3D.

Especially if you’re not exactly the most tech-savvy person in the world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed! You don’t want to end up accidentally buying the wrong equipment, or making a choice that’s incompatible with the systems you already have in your home theater.

When you’re making any kind of investment in your home, it’s always best to rely on a professional. 3D home theaters and their projectors are no different.

So, who can you rely on to help you get the job done right the first time around?

We think we are a great option to consider! Check out our website to get reviews of the top 3D projectors on the market today. Know what everyone else is saying before you make your final decision!

Also, be sure to check out our blog to pick up even more tips and tricks on how to take your home theater experience to the next level.

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Getting the Most from Your Home Cinema System

There’s nothing like having your own home cinema system.

Just thinking about it conjures up images of perfect sound and video. Add some blackout curtains, and you don’t have a reason to go to the movies ever again.

However, if you want to get the perfect viewing experience, you’re in for some surprises. If home theater systems were plug and play, there wouldn’t be so many technical guides for them, would there?

While there are several personal specifications you can set for your system, there are some solid, proven ways to help you get the optimal viewing experience.

How to get the most from your home cinema system

We know, we know: you’re super excited about your new home cinema system.

You can’t wait to curl up on the sofa with a big bowl of popcorn and settle in for a marathon of your favorite movies – without the high prices of the physical cinemas.

However, any home theater system isn’t going to work to its potential right out of the box. There are some tweaks you should do prior to snuggling up for a binge-watch session.

What are the key things you should take care of with your home theater system? Read on for a few solid tips.

Strike balance

When you go to the movies, where do you immediately head to once you get to the theater? You try to scope out a seat directly in the middle, right?

This is because it gives you an optimal view of the screen while you feel the ultimate effects of the sound.

You don’t have to give that up just because you’re at home. Organize your space so that it strikes a balance between the video and the sound.

Balance also gives your home cinema system some symmetrical flair that’s aesthetically pleasing and looks very professional.

Same drivers

If you want all components of your home cinema system to work seamlessly together, you’ll want to ensure that you’re using the same drivers across the board.

What are drivers? You may know them as software components that allow a device to communicate with another device, but we’re specifically referring to speaker drivers.

Speaker drivers are transducers that work like a loudspeaker. They work by converting audio signals into sound waves to be emitted.

You want to make sure that the drivers you use are the same, particularly for your speakers on the front lines (literally the front speakers).

If you use the same drivers, this lets sound and other effects move between the speakers seamlessly and flawlessly. Size doesn’t matter: as long as the design and materials are the same, you’ll get the best sound quality possible.

Place your speakers properly

You may not think that sound matters much in your home cinema system. Of course, it matters: you need to be able to hear the movies you’re playing, right?

But it may not seem like the sound source matters much as long as you can hear it. However, for an optimal home theater setup, you do need to pay attention to speaker placement.

Keep them at the same height to keep from having any variations in sound. As for actual placement, you need to pay attention to the way the speaker is made.

If your speakers have a back-facing bass port, you need to keep them a few inches from the wall, for instance.

Choose the right speakers

Speaking of speakers – you need to make sure you pick the right ones. You may think you should automatically gravitate to the set that promises the highest quality, but you need to pay attention to the best choice for your room.

A big speaker isn’t going to live up to its full potential in a tiny room, for instance. Additionally, small speakers aren’t going to do much good in a large room.

Why wouldn’t you get the biggest possible for a small room? And what’s wrong with tiny speakers in a big room if it’s for personal use? The size of the room affects the sound.

The size of the room affects the sound. Large speakers, in particular, can sound over-filled and bloated, and the sound can even seem like it’s slowed down. That isn’t what you paid for, and you won’t be satisfied with the end product.

Screen placement

Remember what we said about striking a balance? It goes for screen placement as well.

You’ve more than likely carved out a place for your TV and your home cinema system. However, if you’re just getting started and haven’t gathered all your equipment yet, there’s actually a rough mathematical equation to find the perfect viewing distance for your TV.

The easiest method is to measure your TV diagonally. Take that figure and multiply it by two. Your TV should be that far away from your seating area.

Calibration

Ever run into color issues with your TV? You try to turn it on right out of the box and people are looking a little orange? Issues with saturation and contrast can be chalked up to screen calibration.

It’s important to calibrate your home cinema system TV because it won’t give you the best video quality out of the box. After all the money you dropped, it’s the least they could do, but hey – we don’t live in a perfect world.

It’s possible to do this manually, but there are various different calibration tools you can use, particularly DVD-based ones. There are also programs you can download, and you can find some solid options for free or cheap.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect setup for your home cinema system isn’t an exact science. A lot of it comes down to personal preference and needs.

Still, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t steps you can take that are perfect for improving your all-around experience.

If you want the perfect home cinema setup, follow these tips, and you’ll be having regular movie nights in no time at all!

Interested in home theater systems, or have a ton of questions? Not a problem! The experts are here to help.

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How to Install Speakers in Your New Home Cinema

When you’re building a new home cinema one of the most important factors is sound. You want everyone that is visiting your home cinema to have perfectly clear sound and the best viewing experience possible right?

Here are some important things for you to consider when you’re installing a home cinema and even some tips to ensure having the best experience possible!

Speaker Options

What type of speakers are you planning on installing in your home cinema? This is one of the first, and most important, decisions that you will need to make before you are on your way to a pristine listening experience.

Wireless Speaker Systems

Wireless surround sound speaker systems offer a lot of flexibility in that they can be moved around more easily.

It is important to note that most wireless speaker systems will still need to be plugged into a power supply. Wireless refers to the way that the sound is transmitted.

Wireless Transmitter with Existing Speakers

If you already have speakers and a subwoofer this may be the best option for you.

This option is another way to avoid having long cables that you have to run around the room.

Run Speaker Wires Through the Walls

This is obviously the more labor intensive way to set up your wired speakers for your home cinema.

The benefit to doing this is that all your wires will be totally hidden. You can run in-wall speaker cables through the wall or ceiling and use wall plates so that they wires remain tidy.

In-wall or In-ceiling Speakers

In addition to in-wall wiring, you can also have the speakers installed in the wall or ceiling. This method will entirely eliminate your footprint and take up zero space in your home cinema.

As with the in-wall wiring, these speakers do have bit more of a lofty installation process.

Front Speaker Only

You are not required to have surround sound speakers in your home cinema.

In order for front speakers to work to their full potential, you will want to get powerful ones.

A sound bar is a great option when you are only using front speakers. There are even sound bars that are so powerful they can simulate surround sound yet are only just a single speaker!

How to place your speakers

Start with the Subwoofer

You will want to place the subwoofer first because it is the easiest to place.

You can put the subwoofer anywhere in the room that is convenient for you and can easily link to the receiver.

Be mindful is you are placing your subwoofer too close to the corner of a room because this tends to make the sound a bit too overpowering.

Next, you’ll Place the Channels

Placing the channels takes a bit more work than the subwoofer because their location is so important to contribute to the quality of the overall sound in your home cinema.

Speaker setup can range anywhere from 2.1 channel sound to 7.1 channel sound. 2.1 being the simplest and 7.1 being the most complex.

2.1

In a 2.1 setup there are two primary channel speakers, left and right. These two speakers should be placed between 3 and 4 feet of one another to optimize sound.

They should be places off to each side of the screen at the listening height of the average viewer.

5.1

A 5.1 setup is considered to be the absolute minimum that you should be using if you are looking for an entirely immersive surround sound experience.

The 5.1 setup starts exactly like the 2.1 but you then build off of that by adding three more elements.

The additional elements are the center channel and left and right surround sound channels.

The center channel should be placed at the listening level of the person sitting in the main seating option within the room.

The surround sound channels are what makes the listening experience in your home cinema feel like you are at the movies theater.

7.1

A 7.1 setup is the next step up from 5.1. It has the same elements and then some.

This setup has the receiver, two primary channel speakers, two surround sound speakers, and two additional back speakers. The two back speakers add even more of an authentic viewing and listening experience.

Obviously, this is a lot of equipment and requires some time to set up correctly.

Learn more about the different setups here!

Additional Tips & Tricks

Label your Wires

Labeling your wires is so important! You never know what you may need to replace down the line and you really do not want all your wires getting crossed.

Say you have to replace a speaker, you won’t spend hours wondering why things aren’t working right and what got put back in the wrong place.

Labels save lives.

Buy better Wires

Do not go out and spend your savings on some crazy high-end wires. However, if you are using bottom of the barrel equipment you may want to upgrade.

This is going to make a major difference in your sound.

Adjust the Center Channel

If you ever find yourself struggling to hear your system, it may be a good idea to adjust the center channel.

The center channel is the main listening source that you will hear dialogue from. If this isn’t sounding correct it can throw off your entire listening experience.

When things don’t sound right, it is best to start here.

Give yourself Some Slack

It may be tempting to make all your wires very taut and perfect. Please don’t do this.

Give yourself slack because chances are you will need to replace or move things at some point. If you don’t have any slack and your wiring is in the ceiling or the wall this is going to make things very difficult.

Now that you know how to install speakers in your home cinema

You are a pro at home cinema audio! Next step is locking in that visual piece for which you will need the perfect projector.

Figure out which model would be best for you by checking us out!

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The 8 Immersive Home Theater Components

There’s nothing like going to the movies. The big screen, plenty of concessions, comfortable seating, and friends and family around you is a unique experience.

Unfortunately, it’s becoming more and more expensive these days to go. The cost of tickets alone are on the rise and let’s not even get into the outrageous expenses for typical concessions.

To get the movie theater feel without the long-term cost, more people are turning to home theaters these days.

It is becoming easier to create a unique home theater environment without spending a lot of money. More so, technology is getting to a point where this home theater can be an immersive experience.

If you’re looking for ways to create or upgrade your own immersive home theater, look no further.

Here are eight immersive home theater components and tips you can think about to improve your home viewing experience.

Great Location

The most important key to an immersive experience is all about the location. Where you put a home theater in your home is going to affect the overall viewing experience.

You want a space that is big enough to accommodate your family, and is dark and dry to replicate the movie theater experience. Typical locations include basements, attics, and family rooms where you can block out the light with large curtains.

Unique Style

The next thing that will create an immersive experience is the style of your home theater.

The overall style is created through many different home theater components, especially the decor. You can choose to go with a traditional movie style or go with something completely off the rails.

Great examples of unique styles include science-fiction, old Western, and steampunk decor. This is the perfect area to put a unique, personal stamp on the look of your home theater.

Seating

Furniture is one of the most important home theater components to spend some time researching before making a major purchase.

The comfort of the seating will affect the overall viewing experience since people don’t want to watch something for two hours in an uncomfortable environment.

How you arrange the seating is also important. You can follow the traditional row by row layout or create something that maximizes the space and amount of furniture you’re working with.

Good Screen

This is the heart of any immersive home theater.

The viewing screen, whether it’s a projector or large TV, is going to determine the overall quality of the movie itself. You can go with any of the latest technological trends such as 4K and 3D to add an extra bit of vibrancy and realism to the experience.

If you’re going with a projector system, make sure to buy a projector that will provide the quality you’re looking for. In this setup, the screen itself can be something as simple as a white wall or bed sheet or a dedicated, retractable screen system.

Great Sound System

Sound is where an immersive experience comes alive.

Normally, theaters utilize surround sound in creative, effective ways to immerse the audience in the movie. Multichannel audio support and speaker output is essential to replicate this in your own home theater.

Many home theater components in the audio category come as packages. This means you can easily find something that will give you multiple speakers of different types to create a true surround sound experience.

Smart Features

These days, technology is making it easier and easier to create and maintain a home theater.

Convenience is one of the things that is often overlooked when designing a theater. However, this can make all the difference.

You will want to make setting up and controlling the home theater easy so you aren’t taken out of the immersive experience. Smart home features such as tablets and automated devices can essentially control your home theater at the touch of a screen.

Video Source

The source of your movie is equally important to the screen and audio. You can go with any number of sources from the typical DVD or Blu-ray player to a streaming service.

If you go with a DVD or Blu-ray player, make sure you get one that is capable of playing movies in unique formats or with special features. Many of these include things like 4K or 3D capability. Many players will also offer

Many players will also offer a variety of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube.

The Accessories

The devil is in the details.

Accessories can add the finishing touches to an immersive experience in a way other home theater components simply can’t.

Whether it’s adding a popcorn maker in the corner, drink holders to the seats, or movie poster décor around the walls, these little details are where the magic happens.

Personalize these details as much as you want. Along with the general theme and decor of the home theater, this is the area where you can add your personal mark on the overall look and experience of the space.

Putting Home Theater Components Together

It’s not difficult to find the right home theater components to create an immersive experience.

To really do a good job, make sure you plan out all the things you want to have in your home theater. Whether it’s the technology, style, or general viewing experience, knowing what you want ahead of time will keep you on track once you start researching, buying, and putting everything together.

Also, be sure to keep a concrete budget in mind.

It can be easy to go overboard with the latest and greatest devices and stylistic pieces, but every home theater needs its limits. You shouldn’t have to take out a second mortgage in order to get what you want out of an immersive home theater.

Since putting together a home theater can be a difficult and frustrating process, check out the rest of our blog for more home entertainment insights.

There, you’ll find a wide variety of tips and product reviews to help you make the right decisions for your own needs and desires when creating a home theater.

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