How to choose a home theater?

Today, the range of home theaters is quite large and varied. A variety of devices are on sale, differing from each other in design, technical characteristics, and functional content. Let's figure out how you can choose a high-quality home theater, and how to correctly fit it into the interior of the room.

Home theater is a collection of necessary equipment for watching video materials accompanied with high-quality sound. With this technique, users can create a true cinema atmosphere at home. Simply put, a similar set of equipment consists of a TV and speakers with good sound.

High-quality sound effects create a unique atmosphere of complete presence. This is an interesting and popular feature.

Home theaters are made up of several functional units that work as a single and balanced mechanism. With the correct setting, you can achieve excellent sound transmission effects.

The main device that receives and transmits signals in a home theater set is the receiver. This is a kind of focus of the entire system, which is connected to all other components using a special cable. The last element depends on the type of wire and the device itself to which it will be connected (TV, projector or monitor). The technique may provide for the following inputs:

• HDMI;
• USB;
• RGB;
• composite connectors;
• S-Video connector;
• network filter.

After connecting the central part of the cinema (receiver), wiring is carried out to the subwoofer, central speaker and front-type acoustics.

All components of a home theater must be correctly placed in the room where they are located.

Home theater is not a one and only technical device. It is composed of several main components, each of which performs its own specific tasks. Let's consider in detail what is included in the set of such equipment.

• A source. The source is a device that is responsible for reading data and further converting it into video and audio signals. Today you can still find devices in which the source is a DVD-player. Kits are also sold with a satellite receiver or a more modern Blu-ray player.
• Image transmission device. In modern home theaters, an LCD TV is most often used as a picture transmitter. Sets with CRTs are much less common - most often these are outdated options that can not be seen so often today. And also a projector can act as the device under consideration. If the set includes a TV, it is best to place it in the central part of the room.
• AV processor. This node is the real "heart" of the entire system. The processor has a special switch. It is he who is responsible for supplying signals to the sound source (speakers) and to the device that transmits the image. The presence of an audio decoder performs audio conversion.
• Amplifier. The most popular today are multichannel amplifiers. There can be from 5 to 7 channels, and all of them are located in one housing. The main task of the amplifier is to increase the signal level.
• AV receiver. This mechanism is a kind of combination of AV processor and amplifier. Parts are located in a single body.
• Acoustic system. The scheme of any modern cinemas includes high-quality acoustics. Experts have proven that for high-quality and effective sound, you need to have at least 5 speakers in the kit. Acoustics sets of 5.1 format are considered the best. However, many of today's manufacturers have begun to produce more powerful 7.1 speaker systems - they have the addition of speakers in the front direction.

The range of modern home theater systems includes many different kits, consisting of different components. Let's consider what such devices can be, and what features are typical for them.

The best sound quality can be provided by multi-link home theater models. All available components of such systems are placed in the room in a certain strict order. This is necessary in order to achieve the best effect of reflection and propagation of sound waves. Stackable options provide excellent sound quality, but they require a lot of free space to accommodate them, which can be a serious problem if the room area is too small.

Multilayer systems are available in different formats 5 in 1, 2 in 1 and even 7 in 1. Hi-Fi models are popular. Many of these devices are equipped with a large number of additional functions, for example, karaoke, viewing of images in 3D. Many of these options are available in other types of home theater systems.

The soundbar is a versatile combination of speakers and subwoofer. Modern models of such systems are relevant due to their compact size. If your room doesn't have enough room to accommodate all the necessary home theater components, a soundbar can be the perfect solution.

It should be noted that when using soundbars, the volume of sound usually decreases, but most users of such devices do not notice much of a difference... This technique is presented in a wide range and has an attractive design.

Monoblock systems are still considered relatively new and are not present in every home. However, such devices are a win-win solution for people who love such a modern style as minimalism. The surround sound effect of a one-piece home theater is achieved through virtual display.

Home theaters of various formats are exhibited in audio and home appliance stores. Buyers can find on sale volumetric systems that have large and large elements in their set, for which it is difficult to find free space in a small room. If you plan to arrange a technical kit in a cramped room, then there is no point in turning to such copies - they will only overload an already cramped space.

For small rooms, a high-quality mini-cinema is better suited. Modern compact devices are of the same high quality as their large counterparts.

Of course, many of them have less power and sound volume, but in a small room with these parameters, you shouldn't overdo it anyway.

If you want to place your home theater in a large and spacious room, then you can safely buy large-size options with high speakers.

In the rich assortment of different home theaters, you can find options with any technical characteristics and built-in functions. Let's get acquainted with some popular models of different types and learn more about their parameters.

• LG LHB655NK. This is a popular budget-class home theater system. The system has an optical drive and supports the popular Blu-ray format. With this model, you can play not only standard video files, but also 3D materials. LG's low-cost home theater is equipped with Smart Share, which allows you to sync the device with your personal computer, tablet or smartphone. The system is popular and convenient, but it is large in size, so it is unlikely to be suitable for a very small room.

• Sony BDV-E3100. This is high-quality equipment from a well-known Japanese brand, which is quite inexpensive. The Sony speaker system is made in 5.1 format and boasts surround sound. The equipment can reproduce images in Full HD quality. Using this device, users can play music files from a mobile phone or tablet. The Sony BDV-E3100 boasts superior sound quality and an attractive design. However, the speakers in the system are equipped with short wires, which creates a lot of inconvenience for owners.

• Samsung HT-J4550K. This set of equipment boasts high-quality acoustics and affordable cost. Samsung HT-J4550K can satisfy the needs of even the most demanding user. The cinema perfectly transmits all sound frequencies, however, not all music lovers are satisfied with high notes. The purest sound is ensured by fixing the speakers on special stands. This home theater is bad only for not the most understandable control menu, which is noted by many users.

• Onkyo HT-S7805. This is an elite home theater set, which includes a modern powerful receiver and a complete set of excellent acoustics. The equipment supports the playback of files in the Dolby Atmos, DTS: S format. The amplifiers are equipped with special decoders, thanks to which the cinema is highly functional. There are as many as 8 HDMI connectors in the body of the device, and there are 2 more that are designed to play 4K video files. The cinema is of excellent quality, but quite expensive.

• Onkyo HT-S5805. High quality premium kit. Has a rich functional "filling" and a presentable appearance. The technique supports high definition format - 4K. The theater is equipped with carefully thought-out acoustics that deliver great sound. If we consider all the functionality of the Onkyo HT-S5805, we can come to the conclusion that the equipment has a very affordable price tag.

• Sony BDV-E6100. The floor-standing speakers of this home theater have enclosures made of high quality plastic. The devices boast excellent build quality. The Japanese home theater Sony BDV-E6100 is an ideal product in terms of price and quality. The housing has many necessary connectors. True, the settings of this technique seem to many users not the most understandable.

• Sony BDV-N9200W. High quality home theater in black or white. System 9.1 is supported - the set contains 9 speakers and 1 subwoofer. The Sony BDV-N9200W delivers superior sound quality.In terms of acoustics, the system uses all modern technologies. Sony equipment turns out to be easy to use, and the speakers can be connected to the cinema without using wires. The Sony BDV-N9200W has no serious flaws, but some users claim that their cinema sometimes freezes slightly, but the rest of the time it works without problems.

There are many optional accessories available for home theater use. Most of them perform important functions, but there are also such components that play a more decorative role. Consider a list of accessories for such entertainment equipment:

• Bluetooth adapter (if the technology does not have its own built-in module);
• Wi-Fi adapter;
• additional connecting cables (for example, USB, micro HDMI, AV and many others);
• audio cables - coaxial, digital, stereo cables;
• cabinets and shelves for various home theater components;
• special acoustic doors.

• Take into account the technical specifications of the theater - power parameters, frequency ranges and other important values. All listed properties are always reflected in the accompanying documentation, which you need to inspect before purchasing devices.
• Decide what kind of technique you need. If you are planning to put your home theater in a small square room, you should not choose too large and high-power devices. In such an environment, sound that is too loud and powerful will not provide users with the desired pleasure. And for spacious rooms, you don't need to buy too small and low-power cinemas.
• Try to select devices that read as many current formats as possible. It makes sense to buy cinemas that can play full HD and 4K video files. These extensions run movies and music videos of superior quality and high definition.

• Explore the functionality of this entertainment technique. On sale you can find a lot of models of home theaters that have karaoke functions, synchronization with other "smart" devices and other useful options. Decide right away which configurations you need and which ones will make no sense. Remember - the more functionality the equipment has, the more expensive it will cost.
• The design of a home theater cannot be ignored. The equipment must harmoniously fit into the existing interior. This also applies to the colors of the devices and their sizes. The equipment should not overload the interior, making it unattractive and tasteless.

• Having made a choice in favor of your favorite home theater model, do not rush to pay at the checkout. It is advisable to carefully inspect all the components of the technical kit in the store for defects or damaged parts. Visually inspect all connectors and outputs to make sure there are no loose parts, scratches, chips or abrasions on the housings.
• If possible, check the playback quality of music and video files in the store. When testing your home theater, nothing should confuse you. If at the moments of checking you heard distorted sound with noises or a picture with dead pixels and poor color reproduction, it is better to refuse the purchase. If you were given time only for a home check, when you come home, it is recommended to immediately scrutinize all the possibilities of the cinema.
• Explore your home theater package. The set with the equipment must contain a remote control, operating instructions and all the necessary connection cables.

• If you want to purchase a really high-quality and durable technique of attractive design, it is recommended to give preference to exclusively branded products. Today, many well-known manufacturers produce excellent cinemas - buyers have a lot to choose from. Do not think that all branded equipment is prohibitively expensive. Many eminent brands make excellent devices at affordable prices.
• For the purchase of original branded products, you should only go to proven stores where the appropriate equipment is sold. Only in such places will sellers answer all your questions and issue a warranty card. In the event of a defect or malfunction, the purchased equipment will always be replaced. You should not buy such things in dubious retail outlets, where everything is much cheaper - here you can hardly find original and high-quality goods accompanied with warranty service.

It is quite possible to assemble a home theater with your own hands. Many people resort to this solution. But first you need to draw up a detailed project of the future structure, indicating all the necessary components that will be provided for in it.

To assemble a good cinema at home, you will need all the equipment from the list below:

• projector;
• screen for projector;
• acoustic system;
• all necessary connecting cables;
• computer or laptop;
• light filters for windows.

Putting the entertainment system together like this:

• connect all the necessary components to a computer or laptop (it all depends on which components you have prepared for home theater equipment);
• to get a good darkening of the room, you can hang thicker curtains on the windows;
• place comfortable sofas and armchairs in the room.

The interior design in which the home theater is located can be designed in different styles. Let's look at some good examples.

• An interesting interior will turn out if comfortable folding chairs or a sofa with square ottomans are placed in front of the screen on the podium just above the level. Such an interior will be interesting and stylish. You can create furnishings in a combination of blue colors and wood textures - an original solution.

• A great setting will turn out if you place a long modular sofa that occupies the entire wall in front of a cinema with a large screen. In the decoration of such a room, you can stick to calm and muted colors.

• If the house has a free room, kept in dark colors, it can be completely equipped as a hall for watching films. Here you should hang up a large TV or projector screen and arrange all the other components of the cinema. Dark walls can be complemented with red areas to create a more theater-like feel. Leather black chairs, placed opposite the screen at different levels, will look harmonious. The solution is expensive, but gorgeous.

• A good setting will turn out to be completely sustained in slightly muted pastel shades (for example, beige). You can hang a large TV or a projector screen on one of the walls, and place several cozy cream chairs opposite.The interior will be both cozy and inviting to watching your favorite films.

• A beautiful interior can be arranged in a small room. There, a long corner sofa and a wide home theater screen can be placed opposite each other. At the same time, for wall decoration, it is permissible to choose a calm dull yellow or cream shade, and the wall behind the sofa should be accentuated - gray.

There are many options for decorating the interior of the room in which the home theater is installed. The furnishings can be chic or modest, but no less inviting. Each user himself makes a choice in favor of the best solution based on his own taste preferences and financial capabilities.

If we are talking about a powerful and loud speaker system located in an apartment, it is advisable to take care of soundproofing the walls and door leaves. Today, stores sell everything you need to achieve an excellent soundproofing effect.

A rating of low-cost home theaters with high-quality sound in the following video.