Watching movies and series has become an everyday norm. It is incredibly accessible to everyone, especially when it comes to online streaming platforms. But, as is the case with everything, there is always room for improvement. A good setup can increase your home viewing experience quite exponentially, making it a whole lot more enjoyable. You can use a variety of different pieces of technology to create the perfect space to enjoy your shows from the comfort of your own home. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the key components you should consider adding to your home.
1. The TV
When it comes to choosing a TV there are so many options, so how do you know which is the right one? Well, that comes down to your needs, but we highly recommend investing in a smart TV. It is an incredibly easy way to get the best of both worlds – streaming and cable viewing – all in one place. When buying a TV you’ll have to choose between Ultra HD 4K, full HD, LED, OLED, LCD, and more. TV technology is constantly improving, so it’s best to not go for the base model, especially if you’re wanting to build your own mini theatre at home. That being said, you can’t exactly go too wrong when choosing a smart TV. Most of them are pretty good. Make sure that it has access to the streaming apps you typically use, like Netflix, Amazon, etc.
2. A Projector
If you really want to elevate your home cinema experience, consider investing in a projector. This is a great way to get a massive screen at a fraction of the cost of an actual screen that size. You can create an image as big as 150 inches in diameter. A full HD model will cost you around $600. You can watch your series, movies, and even sport in style. Keep in mind that there is a difference between a business-centric projector used for presentations in the workplace and a home cinema-centric model. Business projectors typically don’t have space for an HDMI input, so you can’t connect good-quality sound.
3. The Speakers
Where you place your speakers, as well as volume levels, is important for optimized and comfortable viewing. Something like a sound bar is incredibly popular for improving the sound of a normal TV, but it doesn’t live up to the surround sound claims most of them have. The only way to get true surround sound is by getting a proper sound system set up. These come in systems of 5, 7, and 9 speakers placed around the room. You should arrange them around the room strategically. The instructions manual should give you a good idea about exactly how to go about doing this, but the most important thing to remember is to place the center speaker below the screen or projected picture. We highly recommend you invest in a Bluetooth surround system. This means you don’t have to deal with all of the pesky wirings. The only downside is that Bluetooth things need to be recharged, so it’s really up to you. The best thing about surround sound is that you can adjust the different speakers and optimize the sound perfectly for the space you’re in allowing you to get an ultra-realistic sound balance.
4. Sound In the Room
After installing a surround sound system, there are a few other things you should do in order to optimize the sound in the room, as well as to prevent it from either being lost or bothering others too much. Sound bounces off every surface in the room, which means you need to be extra thoughtful about what you put where as well as what things are made of. Different materials and surfaces reflect sound in different ways. Limiting the amount of bounce is important in order to achieve a nice, clean surround sound. If you have a dedicated mini-home cinema, consider padding the wall.
Consider adding noise-canceling panels to the walls. They come in a range of different shapes and sizes that double as décor. It keeps the noise in and stops sound from bouncing around the room. If you really want to get a more authentic cinema feel, add draperies to the walls. Soft furniture is a definite must, because not only is a cozier than a leather couch, it is way better for sound. Avoid glass picture frames. The glass surface creates a shrill sound and is not pleasant.
5. Storage
You want the space to look neat and tidy, but with so many different components, things can get a bit messy. You might have a bunch of cables connected to various different devices. If you have a bunch of cables lying around and a bunch of remotes for controlling different devices, you need to come up with some storage solutions. You can use a shelf or unit below a tv screen, or you can put it behind the sofa or seating so that it’s out of the way. You can get something that’s premade, or you can make it custom for your space.
6. Lighting
Lastly, you need to attend to your lighting. You want to create a mood in the space, so being able to dim your lights, or switch them on and off with ease is important. If you are a person who likes low light, but not complete darkness, consider getting a tall standing lamp and placing it close to the couch for easy access. Another option, and our favorite, is smart lighting. Installing smart bulbs is the best way to get lighting that is dimmable and can be set for absolutely any ambient mood you are aiming for. There are a variety of smart bulbs for you to choose from, but be sure to get one that has good app reviews. It all comes down to how well the app works.
Building a home cinema can be quite simple. With just a few changes to a room, you can create one without breaking the bank. You can have the best home cinema experience by adding some quality sound, a good TV, and some comfy furniture and lighting.