What to Look for In a Home Entertainment System

By Kirby Gaboury, Audio Etc…

Whether you’re a sports fan or movie lover, there is no better time to invest in a home entertainment system. Projectors, TVs and surround sound systems make watching TV shows, big games and movies that much more exciting. You experience emotional involvement like you are part of the action. However, with all the technology options available today, finding the right equipment can be confusing. There is a lot of hype and misinformation on low quality product claiming performance it’s not capable of delivering.  Here are a few steps to follow to ensure you get the most from your home entertainment system.

Before heading to the store, ask yourself a few questions:

  • How much light is present in the room you’re going to use?
  • What size image are you imagining?
  • Is the room carpeted or not carpeted?
  • What type of walls does the room have?
  • Will the system be freestanding, in a cabinet or mounted to the wall or ceiling?
  • What type of speakers do you want?
  • How close will seats be to the screen?
  • What is your overall budget?

These factors will affect the way your television, protection and sound system will perform.

You should also learn some tech-lingo before heading to the store. Here are some popular terms you should know:

  • Digital Resolution: The number of pixels that compose the picture on a TV. TVs can come in many different resolutions from 720p all the way up to 4K Ultra HD. Just because it says 4K Ultra HD does not necessarily mean it’s better. 4k is just a resolution not a quality. You can research the different resolutions on www.cnet.com or visit a BBB Accredited Business, like Audio Etc…, a local expert.
  • AV Surround Sound Receiver: Contains most, if not all, inputs and outputs you connect everything to. There is a radio tuner, preamplifier, processor, subwoofer output and multi-channel amplifier inside. It is a great way to centralize your home theatre system even though separate components usually have a higher performance.
  • Subwoofers/woofers, midranges and tweeters: A subwoofer is a specialized speaker that plays low frequency sounds, while a tweeter reproduces high frequencies. Perform listening tests before deciding on one. Its nice to bring music your familiar with.
  • Source Components: These include things like DVD players, Blu-Ray players, CD players, antenna, Apple tv, satellite, cable and internet streaming services.
  • Surge Protector: A device designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes.

 

Overall, the main things you should remember when searching for a home entertainment system:

  • The Room (size and acoustics could determine product selection)
  • Video Display size (projector or tv)
  • Sound System (stereo, 5.1 all the way to 13.2)
  • Speakers (towers, bookshelf speakers, on-wall or flush mount in-wall or ceiling)
  • Source Components
  • Connection Cables, Surge Protector and Remote Control Options

 

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to designing their home theatre system. If you’re considering investing in one, turn to a BBB Accredited Business like Audio Etc… an A+ BBB Accredited Business. Companies like Audio Etc… can help you explore all the options and get you the system of your dreams.