Buying a TV with the largest screen there is, and having the most expensive speakers just won’t do. There are many factors to consider when designing a home entertainment system that best meets your needs. To have an ultimate multimedia system means that it has to be designed according to the room shape and size, source of natural light, and available budget. Home entertainment systems are usually placed in living-rooms or other “normal” rooms which are not built for that purpose, and that makes things more difficult. Here, we are going to point your attention to the most important factors, and help you avoid common decision-making mistakes.
Fundamental Components
Video
Flat screen TVs are made in two different technologies. Plasma television sets produce a somewhat better picture quality, but are being phased out due to expensive and delicate manufacturing. If it breaks down, it would be difficult to repair it or find spare parts. LED/LCD TVs are, thus, a better choice. They meet the HD standards of 720p and 1080p resolution, with up to 75-inch screens. Avoid online purchasing. Do it in person at a local big-box retailer, and be sure to stay away from cheap brands. Consider buying yourself a Samsung, Sony, LG or other top brand TV, in order to get better quality and durability. To get the best value for your money, be sure to compare televisions and get the one that best suits your home.
Samsung 24-Inch 720p 60Hz LED TV
Audio
“The truth is, for me, it’s obvious that 70, 80 percent of a movie is sound,” he says. “You don’t realize it because you can’t see it.” – Danny Boyle, movie director.
Audio experts advise that only 30% of the budget for the whole entertainment system should go to an actual TV. The remaining 70% should be allocated on speakers, A/V receiver and cables. You can choose between 5.1, 7.1 and 9.2 systems, with 5.1 systems (5 speakers and a bass subwoofer) being pretty much enough for a complete and rich audio experience. However, without enough room space, a 5.1 system could be a drawback and more trouble than it’s worth. There are various wireless speaker solutions, but then you would risk lowering the actual sound quality. Stick to cabled bookshelf speakers, follow the manufacturer’s sound-dampening specs from their casings, and place the speakers where they are designed to be placed.
A/V Receiver
Audio/Video Receiver brings everything together. TV, speakers, DVD and Bly-Ray player and an Xbox – A/V receiver serves as an amplifier, and a link that binds everything into a functioning whole. It has to have enough wattage per channel (for powering the speakers) and enough HDMI ports, depending on the number of devices you want to connect.
Proper Arrangement
Prepac Altus Wall Mounted Audio/Video Console
The right TV screen size can be calculated by measuring the distance between the wall and the couch in inches, and then dividing the number by 1.5. If the screen is too far, the details would be unnoticed. If it is placed too close, the viewer would see the pixelation. In order to avoid neck and shoulder pain, don’t mount the TV too high. You want to make the center of your gaze between the top quarter to the top edge of a TV. Also, never place it in a way that sunlight falls directly on the screen. If that is the only placement spot, mount blinds or blackout shades. Speakers and subwoofers shouldn’t be placed inside furniture; otherwise you would get a muffled and muddy sound.
Here they are – a few simple but important things to consider, and rules to follow when building an ultimate home entertainment system. Maximize your experience and enjoyment with your new entertainment room.
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Author Bio:
Oscar Waterworth is a tech enthusiast from Sydney. Besides being a writer and a researcher, he is a father to two small kids. When off work, he enjoys writing for High Style Life, a lifestyle blog where he is a contributing author.
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