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- With the average price of a movie ticket settling in at about $8.50 many families are looking for an economical alternative.
The idea of a home theater is now more than just a far fetched option it's becoming a common place reality.
Advancements in technology and the large demand from consumers has allowed electronics manufacturers to mass produce quality products that are causing an all out revolt against the local movie theater.
The average person can now well afford to upgrade their favorite living space into a small cinematic wonder that will rival the experience of a night out in all aspects.
It also tends to make you very popular with your friends and neighbors so be prepared for the sudden increase in unexpected visits.
- What follows is the anatomy of a basic home theater system. All aspects are explored and you should get a good idea as to how one should go about selecting and purchasing the required gear. Most people actually own the majority of the equipment required and since updating ones system can be done in stages the transition should be a smooth one. While the basic components of a home theater are explained below and some recommendations are made you alone must determine your needs and budget. But, not to worry for something is available in all price ranges...
- The visual aspect of you new theater will be supplied by your television set. Advancements in television technology have grown at a steady pace and very good to excellent performance can be obtained from most sets. In regards to your needs in this application some basic rules apply. Picture size is very important when trying to obtain a cinematic effect. The average livingroom can get by with a 27" television screen. Use of a smaller screen tends to destroy the visual impact and viewers can be easily distracted. Of course, using a set to large for your room will also detract from your viewing pleasure. I've seen many a studio apartment crammed with 35" television sets that due to there massive size wind-up doubling as the dinner table!
- When laying out your system consider the size of your room, the distance between the main seating area and the screen, and what is comfortable to your eyes. If you wish to follow industry standards the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) recommends that the screen should be of a size that will allow a 30 degree viewing angle side to side from where you are sitting. You can easily calculate the proper television size for your enviroment by using the following formula:
Television Screen Size 
Viewing Distance 
1.8664
[Example] If the main seating area of your room is 6ft. away from the TV:
6 1.8664 Television Screen Size (3.21ft-or-38.6 inches)(You should consider purchasing a set that is between 35"- 40") When you shop for the television it's a good idea to take a tape measure with you to the electronics store and measure the horizontal width (not diagonal) of the sets you are choosing from. Now to calculate the proper viewing distance simply do the following:
Viewing Distance 1.8664 
Television Screen Size[Example] Say you choose a television that is 4ft.wide:
1.8664 4 Viewing Distance (7.5ft)(This would be the proper viewing distance for this set.) 
- Now that your ready to feed your television the latest Hollywood has to offer you'll need a quality videosource. A stereo HIFI VCR is the most popular component for the task at hand. The VCR will supply the necessary signal output from surround-encoded rental tapes and television programs to your A/V receiver. The receiver will then process the soundtrack information and supply room filling Dolby Surround Sound. Performance-wise, todays vcrs produce a crisper picture than ever before and entry-level hifi decks are available from many of the top manufacturers such as Sony and Panasonic at prices as low as $200. Of course if the budget allows I suggest you also include high resolution video source components such as a Laserdisc player, DSS digital satellite system, and the eagerly anticipated DVD player. The vast improvement in picture resolution and the addition of cd-quality stereo sound available from these units will ensure the ultimate in viewer satisfaction.
- The vast majority of consumers own a vcr so it is only natural that just about all of the films that are available on tape are encoded with Dolby Pro-Logic. The well stocked local video store should be able to supply you with numerous choices and if your lucky some even carry the latest releases on Laserdisc. Even with the advent of DVD upon us the fact that Dolby Digital cannot be encoded onto the current version of videotape used today the VHS VCR as we know it will be the dominent format for many years to come. Additionally, cable television now offers pay-per-view movies at similar prices plus the added convienience of being able to make a selection by using your remote control. While the movie selection may not be as vast the ability to purchase a current release from your favorite easy chair after a hard days work is definately a tempting option. Lastly, don't forget that a large number of your favorite television shows are transmitted in Dolby Surround. These programs are identified by displaying the Dolby Surround symbol during the shows opening or you can check the listing that Dolby post on their web site.
- The heart of your home theater will be an A/V receiver. While similar to a traditional stereo receiver these units come equipped with a surround sound processor. This processor will decode the multi-channel surround soundtracks encoded into many tv, cable broadcasts, VHS movies tapes, and Laserdisc. If you have a stereo receiver already in place and wish to upgrade it for home theater use all you have to do is purchase a stand alone surround sound processor that will connect to your existing system. Additionally, the A/V receiver (or stereo receiver + surround sound processor) will now supply the five channels of power amplification needed to drive the system speakers. The most common features on the average A/V receiver include varying numbers of input/output connections for adding audio or video components, video switching for easy source selection, and some type of test mode to aid you in system calibration. Extra added features such as universal remote controls that can handle all your gear and special DSP modes that allow you to customize the acoustics to simulate different sound enviroments are cool but effect pricing accordingly.
- When selecting a A/V receiver the following options should be taken into consideration. Are you installing a system that will be upgraded gradually or will you be purchasing an entirely new system in the future? If you wish to build a state-of-the-art system over time I usually suggest that you start with an A/V receiver that has at least one extra audio/video connection than you currently require. This way when you have the cash to add the latest video component such as the soon to be released DVD player upgrading your system will be a breeze. As for connection options seriously consider purchasing a unit which includes both the RCA type connections and S-VIDEO type connections used on current high resolution video source components. Also, digital audio inputs will make sure you get the most bang for the buck from your future high end gear. Soundwise, Dolby Digital (AKA:AC-3) is the latest advancement in home theater sound reproduction. It offers five "full range" surround channels plus a dedicated subwoofer channel that offers amazing sonic benefits over standard Dolby Pro-Logic. Keep in mind that Dolby Digital is only compatible with a new generation of Laserdisc and that the new DVD format will be including it as part of its specifications. Also, remember that source material encoded with a Dolby Digital soundtrack can be played through a Dolby Pro-logic system but to realize the formats full potential you will need to add a seperate Dolby Digital sound processor to your system. Many manufacturers now offer A/V receivers with the necessary connections for adding such an unit at a later date.
- Outfitting your entertainment system for home theater requires special attention when it comes to speakers. Your basic surround sound system will require the use of five speakers for proper multi-channel reproduction. Up front you'll need three speakers main left, center channel, and main right.The center channel unit gets placed directly on top or below your television to anchor the dialogue. The main speakers are placed a few feet apart from either side of the television to complete the front soundstage. A pair of smaller surround speakers are used in the back of the room to reproduce the ambient sound effects (explosions,sounds in the distance...) which are found on most movie soundtracks.
- In order to ensure sonic satisfaction some basics should always be followed. Always make sure that the center channel speaker is magnetically shielded. Speaker magnets can wreck havoc on your TV and distort picture output. Ideally, the speakers should all have the same timbre (Tonal Quality). The purpose of this is to allow sonic images that pan across the front soundstage to travel from speaker to speaker without any noticable character change. Such mis-matching if allowed to occur is very audible and destroys the illusion of being acoustically surrounded by sound. Luckily, most speaker manufacturers now offer both complete systems and center/surround upgrades that will round out your existing speaker array and will blend in sonically so upgrading should be a breeze.
- Want to "feel" the effects of a T-REX running across the screen? Then a powered subwoofer should be part of your speaker array. Although good speakers can reach fairly low levels, a subwoofer will easily handle the lower pulse pounding octaves and relieve the main left and right channel speakers of this duty. Another clear advantage is that the A/V receiver will not have to work as hard since the chore of reproducing bass frequencies will be handled by the subs own power supply. But a fair warning to all apartment dwellers, for nothing will anger your neighbors more than distubing their good nights sleep with the sounds from your late night movie marathons.
- Lastly, if you are rounding out your first home theater setup and you wish to purchase a good quality entry level speaker system the following should definitely be on your short list. The New Wave from NHT and the Ensemble IV from Cambridge Soundworks are great systems and are available at relatively modest prices. Both systems consist of five speakers plus a subwoofer. Performance from these mighty mites is surprisingly good and both systems definitely warrant consideration. Now go out to your local electronics dealer and "play" with the gear you are interested in. Become familiar with the basic control functions and layout. Remember that it's near impossible to demo a system and expect that it will sound exactly the same in your home. The only true test will be in your home setting so you might want to discuss the return policy of the store before purchasing. Although salesman can make suggestions on certain products the decision on what features are "must haves" and what equipment will best suit your families needs and budget are up to you. With a little extra effort on your part you can assemble a great sounding system that will bring you hours of uninterrupted viewing pleasure....
----- David Quiles Copyright © 1997 -----
GENERAL FAQ FILE - Q:
- WHAT IS HOME THEATER ?
- A:
- HOME THEATER IS A MIXTURE OF AUDIO & VIDEO COMPONENTS COMBINED TO CREATE THE THREE DIMENSIONAL SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF A MOVIE THEATER EXPERIENCE RIGHT IN THE PRIVACY OF YOUR OWN HOME.
- Q:
- HOW DO I KNOW IF A VIDEOTAPE IS PRODUCED IN DOLBY SURROUND ?
- A:
- LOOK FOR THE DOLBY SURROUND LOGO.
- Q:
- HOW DO I PROPERLY BALANCE MY HOME THEATER SPEAKERS?
- A:
- YOUR RECEIVER (OR STAND-ALONE DOLBY DECODER) SUPPLIES A TEST TONE FOR ADJUSTING SPEAKER LEVELS. AS THIS SOUND CYCLES THROUGH YOUR FIVE SPEAKERS, SIMPLY ADJUST THE LEVEL WITH YOUR REMOT CONTROL. YOUR GOAL IS TO SET ALL SPEAKERS TO THE SAME LOUDNESS.
AUDIO FAQ FILE - Q:
- I DON'T HAVE A SUBWOOFER OUTPUT ON MY RECEIVER. CAN I STILL CONNECT ONE TO MY SYSTEM?
- A:
- ABSOLUTELY. TODAYS SUBWOOFERS OFFER MANY DIFFERENT CONNECTION SCHEMES. THE MOST COMMON ONE WOULD BE TO RUN THE SPEAKER OUTPUTS FROM THE RECEIVER TO THE SUBWOOFER'S INPUT. THERE WILL BE OUTPUT CONNECTIONS ON YOU SUBWOOFER TO CONNECT TO YOUR LEFT & RIGHT FRONT SPEAKERS.
- Q:
- WHY ARE MAGNETICALLY SHIELDED SPEAKERS USED FOR THE CENTER (AND ON SOME SYSTEMS) MAIN SPEAKERS?
- A:
- THE MAGNETIC FIELD CREATED BY SPEAKERS CAN DISTORT THE PICTURE ON YOUR TV. FOR THIS REASON IF YOU ARE NOT USING MAGNETICALLY SHIELDED UNITS YOU SHOULD PLACE SPEAKERS AT LEAST ONE FOOT AWAY FROM EDGES OF TV SCREEN.
- Q:
- I HAVE A STEREO SYSTEM EQUIPPED WITH DOLBY PRO-LOGIC BUT WHY ARENT MY SURROUND SPEAKERS PLAYING IN STEREO?
- A:
- IN DOLBY PRO-LOGIC THE SURROUND INFORMATION IS MONAURAL, NOT STEREO.THE SINGLE CHANNEL IS PLAYED THROUGH A PAIR OF SURROUND SPEAKERS.
- Q:
- WHERE SHOULD I PLACE MY SURROUND SPEAKERS FOR THE BEST RESULTS ?
- A:
- THERE ARE MANY OPTION, BUT WALL MOUNTING THEM TO THE SIDES OF YOUR LISTENING POSITION, HIGH ABOVE EAR LEVEL WORKS BEST.
- Q:
- WHY DO MY SURROUND SPEAKERS SOUND LOW IN VOLUME?
- A:
- THE SURROUND CHANNEL IS USED TO SUPPLY AMBIANCE AND SOUND EFFECTS. ONLY ABOUT 8% OF A VIDEO SOUNDTRACK INFORMATION ID DEDICATED TO SURROUND.
VIDEO FAQ FILE
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- What follows is the anatomy of a basic home theater system. All aspects are explored and you should get a good idea as to how one should go about selecting and purchasing the required gear. Most people actually own the majority of the equipment required and since updating ones system can be done in stages the transition should be a smooth one. While the basic components of a home theater are explained below and some recommendations are made you alone must determine your needs and budget. But, not to worry for something is available in all price ranges...
