What is a Home Theater?

Simply stated, a Home Theater is a high quality audio and video entertainment
center that brings movie theater value to your home viewing. It can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish - from a specially designed separate room to updating your
family room, great room or den.

What makes up a Home Theater?

A basic system will consist of a large screen TV, a multi-channel surround sound system, a receiver and a DVD player. Some people will suggest going with at least a 27-inch TV set, but you might consider starting at the 32-inch or larger size. After all, the whole purpose is to match big picture with big sound. And while you’re at it, consider a high definition TV.

The surround sound system (five channels) should have right, center, and left speakers in the front of the viewing area with right and left surround speakers in the rear. You should also think about a sub woofer to pick up those deep bass audio tones. The sound quality will amaze you.

To get the quality video picture, a DVD player is the recommended route. You can use your current VCR as long as it has high fidelity and multi-channel TV sound capabilities, but longer term, DVD will be the way to go.

Tie it all together with a multi-channel, Dolby Pro-Logic receiver as the all-in-one power source and you’ve got yourself a home theater. Be sure that your home theater room allows you to be seated at least five to ten feet from your screen.

Once you begin to move beyond these basics, the options are many: size and type of TV; in-wall/ceiling, wall mounted or stand alone speakers; additional a/v components, and lighting controls just to name a few. Get expert advice before you venture too far in this territory, but here are a few thoughts as you get started.

Keep in Mind

• Wiring will make or break a good home theater system. Buy Quality.
• If you’re building or renovating and can’t commit to a home theater now, at least do the pre-wiring. It will make it much easier to install a theater in the future.
• Use one brand of speakers throughout the system. This is not the place to mix and match.
• 
  If you’re building or remodeling, put the speakers in the walls. This is especially practical if you’re short on space, but regardless, in-wall speakers give the room a clean and uncluttered touch that leaves you more decorating options.
• Make sure that the room has sufficient data and cable jacks.
• A good universal remote control will make it easier to operate your system and add to your overall enjoyment.

Getting Started

“If you’re installing a home theater, getting expert advice is almost a necessity to make sure that your money is well spent.”

Smart Homes for Dummies

At Advanced Communications Technologies (ACT) we can help you plan and design your home theater. We’ll configure the type of theater that best suits your tastes, space and budget. ACT can help you select and acquire the most appropriate system components, without preference to specific vendors or manufacturers. Lastly, we can install your components and integrate them into a home theater system that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.