Buying A Home Theatre System? From Space To Connections, Here Are 5 Essential Tips

When buying a home theatre, room space is one of the most important aspects you need to consider. The amount of sound you get should match the size of your room.

The number of speakers determines the way the sound is separated.

Source : Avinash Kumar/Pexels

By Sukhesh Madaan

Getting a Home Theatre is an entertainment-changing investment. This is a piece of audio technology that can take your home television viewing and convert it into a real multiplex experience. Now before you rush off to get yourself a Home Theatre there are a few things you need to be aware of. Follow these tips and you will make the right choice.

Assess your space

Now this is one of the most important aspects you need to consider. The amount of sound you get should match the size of your room. Consider the size of the room where you plan to install the system, the seating arrangement, and the desired viewing distance. 

A smaller room may require a different setup than a larger one to optimise sound and visuals. Too much sound in a small room can be as disappointing as too little sound in a large room. 

The best way to measure what you need is by playing the system with the volume set at half. If all the areas of the room get the same feel then you have chosen well. This means you will have enough watts in reserve for more dramatic content.

Number Of Speakers

This is a critical point. The number of speakers determines the way the sound is separated. In a 2.1 system, there are 2 speakers and one woofer. This means you get proper stereo sound and a good amount of bass. 

While most home theatres break up these components into 2 or 3 different pieces some incorporate all into one unit. This is great for smaller rooms. If you have the space we suggest you get a unit that has individual speakers and spread them across your room. 

Larger rooms deserve larger systems. We suggest a 5.1 home theatre if you have the space. With 5 speakers and a woofer, this type of system creates a true surround sound. The front speakers create the main components of the soundtrack while the rear satellite speakers fill in the depth and give a 3D feel to the sound. 

Positioning Of The Speakers

This is something most people ignore and it can make even the best system sound bad. Speakers are designed to have a little space around them so do not push them into corners. Give them some room so that the soundwaves they create are not restricted or muffled. 

The woofer also needs to be put where there is enough space for the deep sound to come through. You need to build your home theatre around where you will be sitting. This is the focal point for all the speakers. Make sure your tweeters and satellites are pointed towards this sweet spot. 

Right Sound Settings, Connections

Every Home theatre gives you multiple ways to connect with your sound source. This could be a TV, receiver, etc. Make sure you choose the best settings for each. TVs have various sound options. We suggest you match it with your home theatre. If you have a 5.1 system go to the Audio settings and choose that sound output. Or match Dolby with Dolby. 

The most important point is to get the wires right. HDMI ARC is the best connection to have. This allows the fastest data transfer so is perfect for audio and video connections. Bluetooth is also good but it can cause a lag so use it more for audio connections.

Choose The Right Home Theatre

Now this is the most important point. Make sure the Home theatre you choose is the right one. First start with the brand. It should be a globally known and respected one. Nothing changes faster than technology so pick the home theatre with the latest features.

A brand with a solid track record will ensure you have something future-proof. Get the most bang for your money. This is all about value for money. Don’t go for the cheapest as they will let you down. Pick a brand that offers real value for money. 

And lastly, pick a home theatre that will last years and years. Home Theatres are not pieces of equipment that you can change in a few months so make sure yours is built to last. 

(The author is the CEO, Blaupunkt Audio)

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