(NC)-Condo, loft, apartment or family recreation room packed to the brim - having a small space means decorating and furnishing accordingly and your home theatre system (HTS) is often overlooked in the process.
Homeowners are faced with more technology options than ever before - which makes choosing an entertainment system a daunting task. However, with the right tools and advice, you can end up with the perfect audio-visual combination that makes your living space feel like a real theatre experience.
The goal of all HTS is to create a movie-theatre feel within the comfort of your entertainment area. An HTS can range from a few speakers and a small TV to a sound system complete with flat screen TV with a range of accessories.
"It is critical that you find a television that works with the size, style and audio capabilities of your space", says Geek Squad home theatre expert Norm Johnson.
Finding the right spot
It is important to do your homework and get to know your living space before you head out to buy. For instance, know where the cable and electrical outlets are, how high and how far back you want the screen compared to your couch, the overall dimensions and layout in your room as well as where the light is coming from.
When it comes to display options for your television, think out side the box and consider mounting a television monitor from the wall instead of a floor stand if you're limited in square footage. You can even enhance the overall aesthetics by hiding all of the cables connected to your TV within the wall cavity. But keep in mind the materials of your room - for example some condo spaces or older homes won't allow you to conceal your audio /video wiring because often times the walls are made of cement.
Size does matter
Another element to consider is size - it matters when it comes to home theatre. The size of the television should dictate where it is placed in the room. Why turn your living room into a movie theatre with a TV that is too large and sticks out like a sore thumb, when a mid-sized TV will be more than enough inches for the space? Or conversely, think about how hard it might be to squint at a smaller television from across the room where your favourite chair is. "Keep in mind, it's a misconception in the world of plasma and LCD that bigger is always better," says Norm. "Not only could a bulky TV distract from a great room if décor is your preference, but the quality of the picture might be compromised if sitting too closely."
All televisions have an optimal viewing distance. For instance, if there is six feet between the couch and TV, the television shouldn't have more than a 32" screen. For eight feet, it is between 37" and 40". Any larger and your viewers may have a difficult time focusing on the image. For some of the largest TVs sitting at 12 - 15 feet is needed to watch comfortably. Improving the resolution of the material you are watching, using an HD source as example, can also decrease the recommended minimum viewing distance.
Sound is just as important
From large houses to studio apartments, sound affects the quality of the viewer's experience. Sound quality is as much a part of the home theatre experience as visual picture quality. Sound quality, saturation, volume and source are key factors in ensuring that a home theatre system is running at its best.
Much like TV size, sound systems have to cater to the space available. The Bose Lifestyle V20 HTS for instance, is compact and all five speakers can be distributed around a small room for optimal sound quality distribution. On the other hand, the Yamaha Surround Sound Projector (YSP800B) can also compliment a small space by providing equal sound distribution from near the TV itself and from an optional accompanying subwoofer. Both systems are available at Best Buy.
From surround sound to flat-screen, investing in a home theatre system set up properly is worth it, even in small spaces. "Bottom line, have fun choosing the right home theatre system. It's a great opportunity to create the entertainment space you always wanted," says Johnson.
While you can set up your HTS yourself, there are experts like the Geek Squad Home Theatre Installation team who can come to your home to set up home theatre your new entertainment centre and will make sure you get the best entertainment experience.
- News Canada