Home theater systems have gained a lot of popularity over the past five years, largely thanks to the lower costs of high definition televisions, which many more people can afford today. However, a good home theater system requires more than just sharp images; it needs to be comfortable, powerful and connected, to give you the best experience of watching movies or TV shows and listening to music, right from your living room.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Choose your TV
Step 1. Choose a television of the right size for your room
While it might be tempting to buy the largest screen you can afford, it's not always the right solution. You should choose the size according to the size of the room and the viewing distance, so that as many people as possible can benefit the most from the TV. In general, you should sit at a distance equal to one and a half to two and a half times the size of the screen. This means that if you decide to buy a 70-inch model, you should place the sofa about 3-4 meters away.
- The size of the screens is measured across the diagonal, from the top left to the bottom right corner.
- Projectors allow you to adjust the size of the image if you have a large white wall on which to project the video. Usually these devices need to be placed 4-5 meters from the wall for best results.
Step 2. Choose the right TV based on the lighting in your room
One of the most important aspects to consider before buying a TV is the type of lighting in the environment in which it will be placed. In fact, if these two components are matched in the right way, the image quality will be better and the eyes will be less strained when looking at the screen. Of course you also have to consider the cost and quality of the model. Screen Types:
Plasma:
these are often cost-effective models at larger sizes. Ideal for dark rooms, they offer higher contrast and a wider viewing angle than LCD screens.
LCD:
equipped with very bright screens, they are ideal choices for rooms with a lot of light. LED LCDs (LED-lit LCD screens) are of higher quality and consume less electricity.
OLED:
they are the monitors that offer the best image quality, but they are expensive and have not been tested in the long run.
Step 3. Be aware that higher resolution models offer better image quality
Resolution is one of the components that most affects the viewing experience. The more pixels there are on the screen, the higher the resolution. That's why 2160p models, also known as "4K Ultra HD", are more expensive than 1080p, "Full HD" or 720p models. The digit preceding the letter "p" indicates the number of pixels on the vertical (downward) edge of the screen. More pixels provide better sharpness and more vivid colors.
Some systems report an "i" after the resolution indication, such as 1080i. This means that the pixels are interlaced, meaning they are transmitted slightly differently than with progressive technology. Even though almost all television manufacturers have ditched 1080i, you should know that the picture quality is almost equivalent to that of 1080p, but it has "won" the battle with consumers
Step 4. Purchase a video source
Your home theater isn't much use if you don't have any content to play. The most common sources are DVD and Blu-ray players. However, recently so-called "Smart players" have appeared on the market, such as AppleTV, Roku and Chromecast from Google, which are able to play any video from the internet, from Youtube to Pandora, to Netflix and Now TV.
DVD / Blu-Ray players:
DVD players can only play DVDs, while Blu-ray players support Blu-ray discs and play DVDs in higher quality.
Smart Players:
AppleTV, Chromecast and other devices that can play online videos. They may include other applications and websites. I am unable to read discs.
Smart DVD / Blu-Ray:
an optical drive player capable of playing video over the internet.
Method 2 of 4: Purchase the Speaker System
Step 1. Consider whether you prefer to watch movies, listen to music, or do both
All home theaters are capable of playing video and music, but if you only watch movies, you probably don't need four high-quality speakers. Ask yourself if you spend more time listening to your iPod or sitting on the sofa in front of the television.
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Film and TV:
almost all movies are multitrack (the sound comes from many different speakers), so systems with five or seven small speakers are able to create a more immersive experience than two or three expensive, high-quality speakers. Multi-speaker systems can create more realistic surround sound.
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Music:
the quality of the speakers is more important than the quantity in this case. Invest in a good receiver and buy two hi-fi speakers to get the best possible listening experience.
Step 2. Be aware that many manufacturers sell complete home theater packages
The popularity of these systems has led many companies to offer all the necessary devices in a single solution. With prices ranging from a few hundred euros to several thousand, many large retail chains offer a variety of sound systems that can suit your needs. Here are some things you should consider:
Step 3. Wireless:
Although they are usually more expensive, wireless systems are very easy to install and configure because they do not require cables.
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Number of Speakers:
make the decision based on the size of the room. In small rooms, a single audio source may suffice, while in larger ones you need 5 or 7 speakers.
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Receiver:
the receivers allow you to manage your home theater system, television and audio, through a single device and a remote control. Although many complete packages already have a receiver, some of the cheaper and smaller ones must be connected directly to the television.
Step 4. Get to know the definitions of commercially available audio systems
You will often read phrases like 5.1 surround, but very little explanation as to what they mean. The first number, 5, indicates how many speakers are included in the system, while the second,.1, indicates the number of subwoofers. Consequently, a 5.1 system contains 5 speakers and a subwoofer.
The two most popular solutions are 5.1 and 7.1, which offer a subwoofer, two front speakers, two rear speakers, one center and one on each side (for 7.1)
Step 5. Purchase a sound bar if you want to install a simple setup in a small room
These are long thin speakers, which can be placed directly under the television and are capable of offering decent quality surround sound at relatively cheap prices. They must be connected directly to the television, do not require a receiver and can be installed in minutes.
- Soundbars attempt to evenly reflect sound off the walls of the room, effectively creating the illusion of surround sound.
- Some soundbars can be paired with a wireless subwoofer, creating a system that can reproduce deep, booming bass for only a fraction of the cost of a full home theater.
Step 6. Place two stereo speakers on either side of the television for simple yet high quality sound
This solution is ideal for small rooms, if you want richer sound than a soundbar, but don't want to install complex systems. You will need a receiver plugged in near the television. You can then connect the speakers to the receiver, connect the receiver to the television and enjoy high quality sound.
This is a great option for those who want to build their own system. If you already have a pair of good quality speakers or a receiver on hand, you can quickly convert them into a home theater
Step 7. Purchase a surround system if you want to achieve cinema-like sound
Surround systems, often sold as sets of 5, 6, and 7 speakers, are perfect for people who want a great audio experience but don't know enough about this to purchase the necessary equipment separately. Installation is more challenging than installing a soundbar or stereo system, but mainly involves running the cables from each speaker to the control equipment included in the system or receiver.
- High-quality systems often also offer a music app, iPod integration, and the ability to add more speakers in the future.
- There are even wireless systems that are very easy to install.
Step 8. Build a surround system with 5 speakers, a receiver and a subwoofer yourself
If you want to have complete control of your home theater and get the best possible sound, you should consider building it yourself. This solution is best suited for people who already own some equipment, such as a good TV, speakers, and Blu-ray player, but who want to expand their system. To do this, you need the following parts:
- Two front speakers raised off the ground.
- Two rear speakers to be placed at the back of the room.
- A subwoofer, usually placed in a corner.
- A multi-channel receiver, capable of accepting 5-7 audio inputs.
- A small center speaker (optional).
- Two side speakers (optional).
- A high definition television.
- A multimedia player (DVD, Blu-Ray, Apple TV, satellite receiver, etc.).
Step 9. Be aware that the sound system is just as important as the television, if not more
Recently, a home theater company ran a test on its employees to illustrate the importance of sound. They showed the same movie twice on identical televisions, once with a traditional sound system and the second with a high-quality one. Employees were not only able to recognize the different sound quality, but 95% of them believed that television was also superior. The moral of the story is that you shouldn't spend your entire budget on television alone and forget about the importance of speakers.
Method 3 of 4: Place the Home Theater
Step 1. Place the television and sofas first
Decide how the furniture in the room will be arranged before running the cables and installing the speakers. Place the TV against a wall or in a corner where there are no reflections or lights. Place the sofas and armchairs in the most comfortable viewing position.
Make a note of the "main" sofa. Where do you watch television most often from? This will help you decide where to place the speakers later on
Step 2. Draw a floor plan of the room to find the center
Once you have purchased the speakers and receiver, you need to decide where to install them. Make a simple drawing of the room, highlighting where you sit and the position of the television. Take note of the location of furniture, doors and windows, so that you can accurately plan your system configuration. The speakers should meet where the main sofa is, so that those sitting there can enjoy the best possible surround sound experience.
Plan the location of the speakers before you run the cables to make installation as easy as possible
Step 3. Place the two front speakers at ear height, facing where you will sit
Arrange them on the sides of the television and point them inwards. Looking at the speakers from the sofa, you should see them oriented approximately 45 ° towards you.
By drawing imaginary lines from the speakers, they should meet at your ear level in the center of the room
Step 4. Place the center speaker above or below the television
This speaker is usually small and is designed to reproduce dialogue clearly. It needs to be in the front and center position, so that it can transmit audio clearly throughout the room.
Many people decide to mount this speaker right above the television if they have the option
Step 5. Place the side speakers aligned with the viewer and above them
The side speakers should be parallel to the viewer, in order to represent the sounds coming from the right and left. If you cannot install them in the same line as the sofa, place them slightly behind the viewer and east towards where they are sitting. They should always be about half a meter above the sofa, facing down.
Step 6. Place the rear speakers side by side in the center of the rear wall
That way, they can work together to get your attention. There are also different setup configurations, such as separating the rear speakers and pointing them inward, for a more realistic surround experience, especially if your system doesn't have side speakers.
If you are using only 5 speakers, prioritize the side speakers over the rear ones
Step 7. Place the subwoofer along the front wall, preferably in the center
This speaker reproduces the low and deep frequencies, capable of making your chest vibrate, so it works best when leaning against the wall. Try to place it in the center of the wall if possible, but you can place it sideways if the television takes up that space.
Step 8. Add any remaining speakers at the top, in the front position
Very complex systems, such as 9.1 surround systems, offer two more speakers that reproduce sounds coming from above, like in the cinema. Mount them on top of the two front speakers, oriented inwards and towards the viewer, at the bottom.
Step 9. Make sure the speakers are not blocked
If you cannot see the speakers from where you are sitting, the sound will be blocked. Rearrange furniture or speakers for the best possible sound quality.
Bare walls and floors cause cacophonous sound reflections, so to improve room acoustics, arrange rugs and furniture along the walls
Step 10. Alternatively, you can install speakers built into the ceiling
Four speakers, two in front of where you are sitting and two in the back, offer high-quality surround sound, but are quite expensive. These are often self-calibrating models, capable of changing their volume to produce the best possible listening experience.
Dolby Atmos speakers are available in ceiling and floor models; this allows you to combine them and create a custom system that can deliver high quality surround sound from above and below instead of from the sides
Step 11. Once you have planned the location of the speakers, install them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Most home theater packages come with brackets, making installation easier. Once you've placed the speakers where you like, you can customize them slightly to get the best sound. Each room is different, so the optimal position and angle of the speakers varies on a case-by-case basis.
Method 4 of 4: Connect the System
Step 1. Learn about the signal flow
The signal is the movie on your Blu-ray, the TV series on Netflix or the Spotify music track. By following the signal flow, you will be able to figure out which inputs and outputs are right for each device. It all starts with the media player, because that's where the movie is. On some televisions the device is indicated as the source. Think of your film as a physical object: it moves from the player to the receiver, which in turn sends half the signal to the speakers (sound) and the other half to the television (picture). In general, the signal flow is pretty straightforward:
- The media player (source output), must be connected to the receiver (source input).
- The receiver (audio out) is connected to the speakers (audio in).
- The receiver (video out) is connected to the television (video in).
- If you are not using the receiver, connect the system directly to the television. At that point you will send the television audio (audio out) to the speakers (audio in), if you have installed a soundbar or speakers.
Step 2. Turn everything off
Reduce the risk of electric shock by unplugging all appliances from power outlets. Make sure the speakers are turned off.
Step 3. Use HDMI cables to connect the receiver, television and media player
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the technology used by the home theater industry for cables, for very good reasons: it is capable of passing audio and video signals over a single wire. This not only saves you time, but also major headaches. All modern televisions and sound systems have an HDMI input. The cable is identical on both sides and the terminal resembles a flat, two-layer USB connector.
- All HDMI cables are built with identical materials, so don't waste your money on $ 50 products that offer the same performance as $ 5 ones.
- If for some reason you can't use HDMI cables, consider purchasing a converter. Take your old cable to a local electronics store and ask if they can help you tweak the connections.
Step 4. Connect an HDMI cable from the media player to the receiver
If you don't have one, you can also use RCA cables, which consist of three colored inputs: red, yellow and white. Plug one end of the cable into the player's output and the other into the receiver's input.
If the receiver cannot handle video signals (for example it is an audio receiver and not a home theater one), you should connect the player directly to the television's input port
Step 5. Connect the receiver to the television
You will almost always do this with an HDMI cable, but some advanced systems can connect wirelessly. Just connect a cable between the receiver's video output and one of the TV's inputs. Remember the input you have chosen, so you can easily select it with the remote control.
If the receiver cannot handle video signals, you need to reverse the connection. Think back to the signal flow. If the information is coming from the Blu-ray to your television and you want the sound to be played through the speakers, you must send it from the audio output of the television to the "audio input" of the receiver
Step 6. Test the video connection and troubleshoot any issues before moving on to the speakers
At this point, you should have everything you need to test the image. Turn on the television, receiver and player, then select the correct input on the TV (this corresponds to the input you connected the system to; its name should be printed on the back of the television, for example HDMI 1, Component 2, etc.). You should see an image produced by the DVD player or smart player. To solve the problems:
- Check all entrances. Are some of the connections loose?
- Connect the media player (out), directly to the TV (in), skipping the receiver, so you can make sure the player works.
- Check that the signal flow is correct. The content should "exit" the player and "enter" the television.
Step 7. Connect the speakers to the receiver with their cables
Often this is the most complex part of the installation, as each room presents different challenges and has unique needs. While laying cables is pretty easy, hiding them professionally takes time and experience. Speaker cables are usually two twisted wires, one red and one black. The cable starts from the back of the case and must go to the audio out port on the receiver. Connect the red side of the cable to the red port on the receiver and do the same with the black side.
- Some modern speakers have single plugs instead of regular stereo cables. In this case the cables are of different colors to better recognize them.
- Most speaker cables are covered with a wax wrap that protects them. You need scissors or a utility knife to remove this cover and expose the copper wire inside. It's the copper that forms the connection, not the casing, so you need to remove it for the speakers to work.
Step 8. Connect the two front speakers first, then try them out by playing a movie
If they work, move on to the other speakers.
Step 9. Connect the right speakers to the right inputs on the receiver
Surround systems work because there is information on the DVD that tells the receiver how to split the audio. If there is a criminal in the film who is secretly approaching, the rear speakers will have to reproduce the sound of footsteps on the leaves behind you and not the front ones. Make sure you connect each speaker to the appropriate channel, which will usually be indicated by a name ("rear audio", "front speaker", etc.).
- Some systems have written indications on the ports, while others are able to automatically locate the position of the speakers, allowing you to plug them into any input. If there is no sign on the back of the receiver, just plug all speakers into the audio output.
- Usually the subwoofer is referred to as "sub out" or "sub pre-out" and requires a special cable.
Step 10. Hide the cables
This not only gives the installation a professional look, but also prevents people from tripping and tearing cables or accidentally dropping the speakers. Run the wires under the rugs, fasten them to the baseboard that runs along the wall or, if you are an experienced bricklayer, run them directly into the wall.
There are many installation services that will take care of this paid job for you
Step 11. If you can't hear any sound, troubleshoot the speaker system
It is usually quite easy to connect the speakers, but that doesn't mean that no problems can arise.
- Check the receiver channel. When you connect the speakers to the receiver, you will often notice that they are referred to as "audio out, channel 1". This means that the device can handle multiple audio formats. Make sure the channel shown on the display is the same channel you connected the speakers to.
- Check the entrances. The connections should be firm. Make sure the same wire connects the red side of the speaker to the red port on the receiver, or the system won't work.
- Test the speakers by connecting an iPod or music player, so test before using a DVD.
Advice
- Make sure your equipment location is well ventilated, as overheating is a real problem for powerful amplifiers and audio-video receivers.
- Consider purchasing a universal remote so that you can use all your equipment with one device.
