Home theater, as the name suggests, is a system for reproducing and enjoying cinematic entertainment in the comfort of one’s own home. It is usually characterized by a large screen TV or video projector, multiple speakers and a surround sound audio system. In some cases, homeowners even construct dedicated screening rooms to enhance the overall experience.
A large projection screen and a high-definition video system is the prototypical home theater setup. To ensure a crisp image, the projector is mounted in front of an ambient-light-rejecting screen. While many people still use LaserDiscs and VHS players to play movies at home, newer technologies such as Blu-ray Disc, 3D television and 4K Ultra HD are driving the market for more sophisticated systems.
In some cases, homeowners will hire a professional to design and build an entire home cinema. The result is often a dedicated room with a projector and screen mounted to the ceiling, an equipment rack and built-in shelves for movie decor and accessories. Some home theaters have an elaborate remote control that can be used to select and control a variety of media sources, including streaming movies and gaming devices.
For the best possible viewing and listening experience, a room with a high ceiling is usually preferred. This will reduce the size of the sound waves that travel from the speakers to the listener, resulting in more accurate and deeper audio reproduction. In addition, the ceiling can be painted or covered with a white matte finish to prevent reflected light from causing glare on the screen.
A surround sound system adds a significant element of immersiveness to the film-watching experience. The goal is to create a realistic sound field that encompasses the viewer, making it feel as though he or she is actually in the movie. A good audio system should also deliver a high level of clarity and detail. The number of speakers in the system will vary, but a minimum of five is recommended. A 5.1 system is common, but some homeowners may opt for a more sophisticated system with up to seven speakers.
AV receivers are the central point of most home theater systems, acting as a hub that routes signals to the speaker and display devices. While some home theaters may retain a Blu-ray player for discs, many are now using smart set-top boxes such as Roku Ultra, Apple TV 4K and Fire TV devices to play content from the Internet. Gaming consoles are also popular choices, as they can be used to play both DVD and streaming video.
Ambient light is one of the biggest distractions when watching a movie, so it’s important to have ways to keep it to a minimum. Blackout window shades or a darkened room are ideal, but you can also take steps during the design phase to eliminate windows altogether and install light-reflecting ceiling panels. It’s a good idea to consult local noise control regulations before implementing a high-definition home cinema, as you might be required to comply with standards that limit noise levels to NC 40 (significant but not deafening). The lower the ambient noise level, the better your chances of catching every nuance in the film.