Who doesn’t love the movies, am I right?
Watching Captain America kick butt and take names, Audrey Tatou sweep elegantly across the screen, or Adam Sandler in his latest gross-out comedy…well I’ll be honest, I hate Adam Sandler movies. But the point is the sheer escapism and magic from the cinema is something we all enjoy, and the explosions from Michael Bay are just not as amazing at home on your little 32” Tv screen.
That is unless you bring the magic home with you on your very own home theatre system. At the very least the seats will be more comfortable and the popcorn certainly cheaper! It’s a dream that many of us would love, so when you finally get the chance make sure you do it right so you don’t incur any hidden costs or regrets later. Here are some mistakes to avoid when planning the installation of your own mini movie theatre.
1. Don’t under-budget
While you can grab some amazing deals along the way, don’t under budget your theatre and then have to take some cost-cutting moves (such as buying inferior speakers) that destroy the final experience. Before you start think about ALL the costs involved, including television/screen or projector, speakers, receiver, stand, cables, surge protector and any installation costs. In-wall speakers for example can incur costs from electricians, plasterers and more depending on your set-up, and if you are hiring a TV expert to set up your system make sure to get multiple quotes.
2. Don’t ignore the size of your room
You might have a cosy room available that is not being used at the moment but is it the best place for your cinema experience? If you are using a projector, find out if the room you are choosing allows you to use a projector properly. Different projector systems have different ranges or ‘throws’, measured by the projector’s distance from the screen. Before choosing your system make sure the projector’s throw ratio fits with the size of your room.
If you’re installing that giant dream TV, again think about the size of your room and what makes a comfortable viewing experience. The bigger your TV the further away you need to sit to be able to enjoy it comfortably. If you have a small room then that giant wall sized screen might not be the best choice. Measure the width and height of your room and how far away your seating is before considering the size of your screen.
3. Don’t screw with your sound
Have you thought about your sound?
1) Location. As much as you might want the immersive cinema experience, if you live in an apartment complex it’s not the best idea to install the biggest speakers available (your neighbours will not thank you) – remember you can always upgrade later! Complete surround sound systems are also not always necessary or appropriate for your room.
2) Placement. While speakers and sub-woofers aren’t the most attractive items around, hiding them in cabinets results in muffled and muddied quality. Similarly, plan out where your in-wall speakers are located and don’t place them too low or obscured to prevent sound fluctuations and distortions. Is there a pot plant in front of your speaker? Move it! Getting the acoustics right may take some experimentation, sound testing or help from a home theatre installation expert.
4. Television/Screen placement
Don’t let your windows ruin your theatre! Lighting is a big part of viewing quality so don’t place your TV screen facing towards or away from a window, and consider investing in some black out curtains.
How would you feel at the end of a Lord of The Rings marathon if you had to look up at the screen the whole time? Sooorrrrre. Get the angle right and don’t install your TV too high or too low or it will be a REAL pain in the neck.
5. Not reading the manual or getting help where needed
Think you’ve got it covered? You don’t want to create an inferior result do you? Make sure to read the manual and set up instructions before you start to get the best possible end theatre result – yes, ALL of you. But if you’ve connected it all correctly, used the right cables and it’s still wrong – the TV quality is terrible, the sound is bad - hire an expert. I know it hurts the pride, but it’s really not worth all that work and investment to let your theatre dream go down the drain.
If you’re planning a custom installation definitely consult a home theatre expert and if any wiring is required be sure to hire an electrician, do NOT attempt it yourself.
6. Messing up your cables
When you think about how many cables are involved with your system it can end up as one hell of an unsightly tangle. Think about the length of cable you require before you start and don’t let them be too long. A good idea when making your system purchases is to take advantage of wireless options where available.
Don’t purchase too cheap or too expensive cables either. Overly thin cheap cables will not last the distance so it’s best to invest in something more durable, but at the same time there are some obscenely expensive cables out there that are simply unnecessary. Use your better judgement.
Then it’s time to kick back, enjoy not watching the annoying cinema ads and open that flavoured popcorn. Oh, and argue about what to watch – that’s something you can never avoid! Just as long as it’s not Adam Sandler.
-Em from the Look Local team
