Home Theatre Buying Guide

Home Theatre Buying Guide

How to Set Up a Home Theatre

Purchasing Home Theatre Equipment

Key considerations when buying home theatre equipment:

  • Ensure compatibility with existing devices. WiFi speakers often aren’t cross-compatible, so stick to the same brand range.
  • Check connectivity. Look for TVs with at least one more HDMI port than you currently need.
  • Choose equipment suited to your space. Short throw projectors work well in smaller rooms, offering a cinema feel even in tight spaces.
  • Integrate new equipment with existing systems. For wireless multi-room setups, add compatible speakers to your network.

Home Theatre Equipment

Large to Massive TVs

Large to Massive TVs

Big TVs combine the immersive experience of projectors with advanced TV technology. Key features include:

  • Full HD TVs need a viewing distance of 3x the screen height; 4K TVs need only 1.5x, ideal for smaller spaces.
  • Future-proof with OLED, Quantum Dot, or HDR tech for stunning clarity and vibrant colours.
  • Curved TVs enhance immersion by expanding into your peripheral vision.

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Projectors & Screens

Projectors & Screens

For a cinema experience, projectors and screens are excellent. Consider:

  • Brighter projectors are better, but 1500 lumens suffice for most dimly lit rooms.
  • Choose a short throw projector for closer placement to the screen.
  • For screen size, divide the furthest viewing distance by 5 to estimate the ideal screen height.

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Audio Systems

Audio Systems

Enhance films, shows, and music with the right speakers. Tips:

  • More channels in surround sound systems provide deeper, clearer audio. Plan for space accordingly.
  • Expand multi-room wireless setups with compatible speakers and soundbars.
  • Dolby Atmos systems create immersive sound, including overhead effects, for cinematic audio.

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Media Players & Recorders

Media Players

Media players enhance quality and access to online services. Consider:

  • 3D-capable, Smart, UHD Blu-ray players offer top-tier audio-visual performance with compatible TVs.
  • PVRs let you record one show while watching another; HD tuners add more flexibility.
  • Share digital movie collections across devices with a centralised NAS drive.

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Controlling your Equipment

Controlling your Equipment

Streamline device control with these options:

  • Universal remotes simplify management. Check compatibility and features.
  • HDMI ARC-enabled devices allow control via a single remote, common in TVs and soundbars.
  • Smart devices often include app-based controls, removing the need for remotes.

TV Furnishing & Mounts

Wall Mounts & TV Units

Wall Mounts & TV Units

Organise your media room with wall mounts or TV furniture. Keep in mind:

  • Choose furniture with enough storage for devices and media to avoid clutter.
  • Fixed, tilting, and articulating mounts offer varying levels of flexibility; articulating mounts are the most versatile.
  • Projector mounts with tilt and rotation features make alignment easier.

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Lighting

Lighting

Enhance your home cinema with smart lighting:

  • Smart bulbs let you control brightness and colour via an app, creating the perfect mood.
  • Smart light switches allow remote on/off control through mobile devices.
  • Connect floor lamps to smart switches for ultimate convenience.

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Home Theatre Essentials


Universal Remotes

Universal Remotes

Universal remotes simplify controlling multiple devices, ensuring seamless operation.

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Cables

Cables

Get the right cables, HDMI, and adapters to optimise your entertainment system's performance.

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