The Perfect Home Entertainment System

If you spend a lot of your free time at home and love to stream video content from services like Netflix or Hulu, you have the opportunity to take your experience to the next level and install a home entertainment system - complete with surround sound and equipment needed to transform your space into a “home theater” center. Surround sound systems lend greater depth to your viewing experience. If you entertain family and friends or simply love to immerse yourself in the latest movie or television hits, you’re sure to enjoy the advantages of having a home theater system. Here, we’ll explore surround sound and other equipment needed to turn your family room or den into a theater-worthy setting.

What Is a Surround Sound System?

A surround sound system provides an audio experience that is more immersive, aka. more speakers and more customization. Typically, surround systems feature speakers throughout the room so that viewers or music listeners are literally surrounded by sound. But depending on the size of the space, shape of the space and acoustic qualities, the final location of each speaker may vary. And with today’s wireless systems, you are able to experience high-quality digital sound that is reminiscent of a traditionally wired home theater. The system produces a dynamic soundscape that is multi-dimensional and rich. However, if the room is being renovated or hasn’t even been built yet, there will be more options with wired vs. wireless speakers. Our recommendation is that if you have the option, start with wired speakers, because you can always go wireless down the road, but it’s timely and expensive to do the opposite.

What Are the Benefits of a Home Surround System?

First and foremost, an enhanced audio experience, but one of the biggest pros to a home surround system is being able to customize the sound to fit your preferences. For instance, you can customize the system’s treble and bass. Or how much background noise versus dialog you want to hear. When you have a home sound system, you’ll find that it’s an ideal entertainment feature for your visitors as well. Whether you’re hosting a sports party or a home movie night, the system is set up for a more exciting entertainment experience.

What Equipment Do You Need for Your Surround System?

Today, there are many different sound systems and related equipment to choose from for your home entertainment center. However, there are some general components that most home sound systems share:

Center Speaker: The center speaker is typically the largest speaker of a sound system, as well as the most versatile. It contains more speaker cones than the smaller, satellite speakers. It also features the most prominent sounds like dialog from the actors or narrator, whereas background noise will be emitted from the surround sound, aka. satellite speakers.

Satellite Speakers: In standard home sound systems, there is a 5.1 configuration. That means that there is 1 center speaker, 4 satellite speakers, usually near the room’s corners (front left, front right, back left, back right), and 1 subwoofer (the 5 refers to the speakers and the .1 refers to the subwoofer). Sometimes, people might opt for 2 additional speakers in the ceiling depending on the size of the space, making it a 5.1.2 configuration and entering the realm of Dolby® Atmos (whereas the .2 refers to the two in-ceiling speakers). With Dolby Atmos, you’re able to create a near real-life listening experience. This object-based audio system takes surround sound to a whole new level by creating a 'bubble' in which sound comes from all angles. And you can continue taking it even further if the space and the budget allows for it. For example, add 2 side speakers to this Dolby Atmos configuration to get 7.1.2. Add another sub for 7.2.2 and 2 more ceiling speakers for 7.2.4. The possibilities are almost endless.

Subwoofer: The subwoofer speaker is designed for low-frequency and bass. Generally, the subwoofer is situated on the floor, usually in a corner or next to the media center. If your space is larger, often it’s recommended to get 2 subwoofers, one in each front corner. If you’re going above an beyond, like mentioned in the Dolby Atmos above, you can start adding more subs to the sides or rear.

Audio Receiver: The audio receiver allows you to adjust your soundscape. Some people control the sounds from their PC using a mixer. Others might use an equalizer to make sound adjustments. Regardless, the receiver is what takes the sound from your source, such as the TV, and transfers it to the speakers, and is a vital component in getting things right.

Internet and Wireless Router: Today, digital sound systems rely largely on wireless functionality, making installation easier than in past decades. High-speed internet and a wireless router complete your home theater equipment needs. Whether you take the more traditional route and use wired speakers, or decide to go wireless, there are always components to your system that require internet. Not only will you be able to stream movies and shows from services like Netflix and Hulu with reliable internet, in most cases at least 1 piece needs internet to update its software, especially in receivers or wireless speakers.

Where Are the Best Places to Create a Home Entertainment Center?

Many homeowners prefer to transform their den or family room into their home theater space. However, if you have a finished basement, you may wish to create a recreational setting there that includes your home theater. Basements usually offer an expansive space that’s ideal for adding comfortable, theater-style seating or oversized sectionals, a home bar, and even a popcorn cart.

Where you set up your system is entirely up to you, but another option is to simply turn your game room or TV room into a media room, whereas it’s a cross between audio-visual entertainment and general home entertainment, such as if you have a pool table or like to play a lot of board games.

Should I Hire Professional Home Theater Installers?

Hiring professional contractors to set up your home theater might be the best option if you’re inexperienced at setting up technology gear. Theater installers will check the room’s acoustics and ensure that your system is set up for the best audio results. On the other hand, if you opt for a theater in a package model, you may have little trouble setting up your system. You can also find many resources online, such as tutorials that will help you install your home theater, but we always recommend getting help from a professional. 

A home theater system, especially an elaborate one, is an investment in your home entertainment. However, extensive systems may even add value to your home. Take your time to research the different home theater options and components so that you can choose the ideal items for your home and budget.

By guest contributor Lorena Romo