| iv id="body"> | | | | When choosing a room, it will ideally have as few |
| So you've finally decided to venture into the exciting | | | | entrances as possible...for instance, a room with a |
| world of home theater? Well one of the first steps in | | | | single window and door (or windows on just one wall). |
| getting started is deciding on a room for your new | | | | Preferably the room will have level ceilings that are |
| system and preparing it for the optimal home theater | | | | relatively low also (as opposed to an open ceiling that's |
| experience. Preparing your room can be an expensive | | | | level but extends up to the second floor or a vaulted |
| and time-consuming endeavor and for those interested | | | | ceiling). Those high ceilings are great for giving you a |
| in an ultra high-end system, this can even include | | | | sense of openness in the room, but the extra space |
| building an entirely new room altogether. However this | | | | also keeps the sound from your new system from |
| doesn't have to be the case and is overkill for most of | | | | being confined in a tighter area. This effectively |
| us. Instead, here are a few simple tips for taking an | | | | disperses the sounds and might require a more |
| existing room or unused area of your house and | | | | powerful system to compensate for that effect. Then |
| tweaking it a bit so you can get the best home theater | | | | again, it may not be an issue at all if you are satisfied |
| experience for you and your family. | | | | with the sound, so take this as a general rule and |
| Whether you're converting an existing area like a | | | | something to be aware of, but let your ears be the |
| basement or you're using your current family room for | | | | judge. |
| your new setup, you'll probably have to do some sort | | | | Smooth floors or carpet--Which is best for your new |
| of room preparation before setting up your home | | | | room? |
| theater. For those with a big budget, this could include | | | | If you're converting a basement, be sure to cover the |
| custom equipment for automation, new material for the | | | | floors, preferably with carpet. Smooth surfaces, like the |
| walls and ceilings and other structural changes. But for | | | | concrete that might be in your basement, act as |
| the "Regular Joe", you can take a simpler approach | | | | reflectors when sound waves hit them. Keep this in |
| and follow a few guidelines to improve the audio and | | | | mind if you're converting an existing room also, |
| video experience you'll have while enjoying your new | | | | especially if that room has hardwood or tile floors, |
| system. | | | | which have similar reflective properties. Too much |
| Windows and home theater lighting | | | | reflection can degrade your home theater's sound |
| Obviously too many windows could cause lighting | | | | quality or possibly cause an echo. |
| problems, especially if you're using a projector as | | | | By following these simple guidelines, you'll be able to |
| opposed to a television. Either way, try to avoid having | | | | improve the audio and video experience from your |
| your video display situated opposite a window. This will | | | | new home theater room. And remember, in the end, it's |
| help to reduce or eliminate glare. Also, opaque drapes | | | | not the name brand of the equipment or how many |
| can work wonders for keeping excess light from | | | | bells and whistles they have that matters. The true |
| entering the room. | | | | test is how enjoyable your new system is for you and |
| Open floor plans affect sound quality | | | | your family. |