Create a Home Theater

Home Theater Basics

The showpiece of any home theater is the television. Many homeowners feel the bigger the better when it comes to their screen of choice, but basically any model 32 inches or larger qualifies as a big screen. Choices in big screen televisions include HDTV (high-definition television), plasma screens, and projection models. Your local home theater specialist or electronics dealer can help you decide which one is most suitable for your room size.

Once you’ve selected the ultimate screen, the next essential to create a home theater is big movie theater sound. The best way to achieve this goal is with a surround-sound system. These dramatically realistic speaker systems have multiple channels (or speakers) which are placed strategically around your home theater room. Speakers featuring Dolby Pro-Logic decoders employ four channels positioned to the left, right, rear, and center of your big screen. Dolby Digital equipped speakers use a 5.1 channel arrangement which adds a low-frequency subwoofer for intense bass resonance.

With picture and sound just like a movie theater, it’s only natural to want some great theater seats as well. If your home theater room doubles as a living area, then choose comfy sofas with ottomans or hidden recliners for truly relaxed movie viewing. In a dedicated theater room, you can take it one step further with customizable home theater seating. Basically, these modular sensations are arm chairs featuring cup holders, adjustable armrests, footrests, touch screens, and more. Seating can even be tiered on risers to provide optimum line of sight for all viewers.

Home Theater Extras

Little details make a big impact when you create a home theater. For example, the décor of your home theater can be enhanced with dimmable wall sconces, floor lighting, and poster marquees featuring classic movies or family favorites.

When choosing window treatments for a theater room, keep in mind that light blocking blinds and fabrics will be beneficial during daytime movie screenings. Also, a deep rich wall color will absorb light rather than reflect it into the room, keeping your big screen free of glare.

To ensure a magical night at the movies, try adding a popcorn machine, soda dispenser, or snack counter to provide everyone with their most wanted treats. For sports fans watching the big game, a bar area can be incorporated complete with a built-in refrigerated beer tap.

If an interactive experience is desired, you might consider installing tactile transducers in your theater seating or under the flooring. Also known as bass shakers or motion actuators, tactile transducers respond to low frequencies within a movie and allow you to feel what you are seeing and hearing on screen. You may have felt this effect on a ride at an amusement park or even have a cell phone that vibrates in a similar fashion.

These indulgences and special details immerse you completely in the silver screen experience - all in the comfort of your own home. With a little research and a modest investment, a truly amazing home theater can easily be enjoyed by your family and friends. You can bet they’ll be saying “show me the movie!”.

Resources to Create a Home Theater

Home Theater Market - Home theater products and accessories, such as furniture, storage racks, projectors, popcorn machines, and more.

Bose – Home theater sound systems.

Home Theater Magazine - Features, reviews, and archives of articles on home theaters.

Home Decorators Collection – Home theater furniture.