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September 2002
Go to the movies at home
Nothing quite matches the experience of watching a movie on the big screen. Huge images, booming sound and, in new theatres, really comfortable seats. Now you can get almost all of this at home, without the sticky floors, line ups and high ticket prices.
Current technology makes it possible for almost anyone to have a movie theatre experience right at home.
According to one westside audio/video expert, a home theatre system is an experience of sound and vision that can be achieved in almost any space. And, you don't need to take out a second mortgage to do it. A basic home theatre system, consisting of a receiver/amplifier, five small speakers and a sub-woofer, starts under $800. If your budget is unlimited, you can include a 61" in-wall plasma television for $45,000 or a 120" drop-down screen and projector system topping $80,000. While these components are out of reach for most people, a home theatre can be a reasonably priced addition to your in-home entertainment system.
If you are considering installing a home theatre, here are some tips to consider:
- When you budget for your home theatre, factor in the cost of installation. Home theatres are usually complex systems that require expert installation and that cost is not included in the price of the equipment.
- Most systems require pre-wiring. If you are renovating your home, or building a new one, pre-wire every room where you might want speakers and volume controls, even if you won't be using them for that purpose immediately. It is significantly less expensive to pre-wire a room that is under construction than to retrofit an existing room.
- Pre-wiring for a home theatre is a specialized trade. Don't assume that your general electrician or the person wiring your security system has the knowledge to do it. Hire an expert.
- Planning your home theatre is a balancing act between performance and lifestyle. Many people create a 'media room' in a space separate from their regular TV room to optimize the theatre sound. But, sometimes it is better to sacrifice sound for convenience and set up your home theatre in your regular TV room. Consult an audio/video expert to help you find the right balance for your home.
- You can design your home theatre system to be entirely portable if you expect to be moving in the near future.
- Pre-wiring in a home can be an excellent selling feature when you decide to move.
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