Home Theater: Common Pitfalls of Set-Up >> Big Screen Center

If you are thinking of building a new home theater or updating an existing one, there are a few common pitfalls that do-it-yourself buffs fall into. Budgeting, choosing the right equipment, installation, and room configuration can all play a part in getting the most from your new home theater or not. Check out some of the most common mistakes made when upgrading your family entertainment in your home.

1. Placing the TV opposite from a wall with a window. The darker the room you are using, the better the quality of picture you will see. This is especially true when using a projector and screen. If a room with a window is the only option, limit the outside light by using dark curtains, or shudders.

2. Buying a TV that is too big or too small. Bigger isn't always better, especially if your room is small. The recommended viewing distance between the screen and the viewer is two times the width of the TV screen. So if you had a 34 inch TV then the viewer should sit at least seven feet from the screen.

3. Choosing an inferior sound system. Too often, people spend a lot of money on a TV or projector but don't buy quality speakers or a sub woofer. A quality system doesn't have to cost a lot of money, but it's important to take the time to listen to the speakers in the store before selecting them. Bring a favorite DVD and CD with you, and let your ears be the judge of the quality of the sound. You should also pay attention to the balance and tuning of the sound system during installation. Making sure the sound is tight before completing installation will enhance the experience of your viewing audience when finished.

6. Component cables are tangled and unsightly. Each new addition to the home theater brings with it more and more cables. It's easy to lose track of what is connected to what when you attempt to move equipment around. Try not to use cables that are too long and mark them with colored tape so that you can keep track of them. If you want the ultimate in clean, professional lines, choose mounting equipment with cable management systems, or get your installer to hide component cables in the walls.

7. Choosing to do-it-yourself, rather than hiring a professional to do it for you. You have invested anywhere between $1000 and $10,000 dollars on your home theater equipment, and decide you can install it yourself. You use cheap, knock-off speaker wire, or choose a flat panel mount that requires some special nuances to install. All of these can frustrate you a great deal, and in the end, you can't enjoy your home theater because it isn't set up right. Spend the few hundred bucks to get your system professionally installed.

Written by Kenton Cruz
Tuesday, 22 July 2008 15:03
If you are thinking of building a new home theater or updating an existing one, there are a few common pitfalls that do-it-yourself buffs fall into. Budgeting, choosing the right equipment, installation, and room configuration can all play a part in getting the most from your new home theater or not. Check out some of the most common mistakes made when upgrading your family entertainment in your home. 1. Placing the TV opposite from a wall with a window. The darker the room you are using, the better the quality of picture you will see. This is especially true when using a projector and screen. If a room with a window is the only option, limit the outside light by using dark curtains, or shudders. 2. Buying a TV that is too big or too small. Bigger isn't always better, especially if your room is small. The recommended viewing distance between the screen and the viewer is two times the width of the TV screen. So if you had a 34 inch TV then the viewer should sit at least seven feet from the screen. 3. Choosing an inferior sound system. Too often, people spend a lot of money on a TV or projector but don't buy quality speakers or a sub woofer. A quality system doesn't have to cost a lot of money, but it's important to take the time to listen to the speakers in the store before selecting them. Bring a favorite DVD and CD with you, and let your ears be the judge of the quality of the sound. You should also pay attention to the balance and tuning of the sound system during installation. Making sure the sound is tight before completing installation will enhance the experience of your viewing audience when finished. 5. Don't forget about a service plan. If you are buying a LCD or plasma TV then you should consider buying a service plan. Granted, service plans are a waste of money for most items, but for a big TV set such as these, it can be worth it. These TV sets require house calls because they are so large, and this is costly. Also, if you have a problem with the screen, it usually can't be repaired and has to be replaced, usually resulting in having to replace the entire set. 6. Component cables are tangled and unsightly. Each new addition to the home theater brings with it more and more cables. It's easy to lose track of what is connected to what when you attempt to move equipment around. Try not to use cables that are too long and mark them with colored tape so that you can keep track of them. If you want the ultimate in clean, professional lines, choose mounting equipment with cable management systems, or get your installer to hide component cables in the walls. 7. Choosing to do-it-yourself, rather than hiring a professional to do it for you. You have invested anywhere between $1000 and $10,000 dollars on your home theater equipment, and decide you can install it yourself. You use cheap, knock-off speaker wire, or choose a flat panel mount that requires some special nuances to install. All of these can frustrate you a great deal, and in the end, you can't enjoy your home theater because it isn't set up right. Spend the few hundred bucks to get your system professionally installed.