Creating a Home Theatre

The biggest conversation piece during the building of a new home these days is the home theatre system. There is practically no limit to the possibilities when you create your home theatre with the exception of the cost. It's not always simple to purchase and install, but it certainly is worth the effort. It may help to speak to a specialist for advice or even the installation.

People usually picture the screen and picture quality when thinking of watching their favorite movie or show. In actuality, the sound quality is what makes the big difference between a movie at home and a movie at the local cinema. The image and the sound, together with the right equipment, can create the ultimate home theatre system that will make you feel like you are at that local cinema but with the comforts of your own home.

Basic Home Theater Components
The basic necessities to create your home theatre are a 27-inch or larger television, movie playing device (DVD is recommended), speakers, and a surround sound capable stereo receiver. Since you are already building your new home, this is a good time to spend a little extra for better quality equipment. Remember, you get what you pay for.

See our article about individual components.

Tips for setting up the system
The important thing to remember when you start with your home theatre is that you want it to feel as close to real as possible. Put the system front and center at eye level, rather than off to the side. Sound travels better from the speakers if they are mounted on a wall or set on stands, not on top of bookshelves or cabinets. The three front speakers should be aligned with the television screen and the two in the rear should be one on each side of the listener just a little above ear level.
If you must stack the equipment, leave a minimum of 8 inches between them and the wall in the back for most of all ventilation, but also for easier installation and servicing. The receivers will create the most heat so put them in the top of the stack or better on their own shelf. Leave them at least two inches of headroom for the heat to be able to escape.

Power cords can cause interference and decreased signal quality for cables and wires. Don't bundle your wires and cables or place them close to the power cords. A notable tip, test your speakers before you trim the speaker wire to avoid cutting them to short and finding that you don't like the sound and have to move them.