When it comes to home entertainment, there are a lot of options out there. When you’re shopping for the ultimate home theater setup, you have to consider all aspects of your space and figure out what components will work best for your budget.
If you’re just starting out or have never had a home theater installed before, this checklist can help give you an idea of what components need to be considered when building a system from scratch.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| The Ultimate Home Entertainment System Setup Checklist for Beginners is a comprehensive guide for those who want to create their home entertainment setup. |
| Getting the most out of home entertainment systems is possible with some tips and tricks, as shown in 17 Clever Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Home Entertainment System. |
| Upgrading your home entertainment system does not have to be expensive, as demonstrated in 10 Surprising Ways to Upgrade Your Home Entertainment System on a Budget. |
| For a more professional approach, the Ultimate Guide to Setting Up a Home Theater Like a Pro provides expert tips for better immersion in your viewing experience. |
| Turning your home entertainment room into a cinematic experience is possible, with 15 amazing home theater ideas you need to try now. |
Use Hdmi Cables
HDMI cables are the best way to connect devices, and they’re cheap too. HDMI cables are universal, so if you have a home theater system with older components (like an older Blu-ray player), you can still use it with your new gear by connecting via HDMI cable.
They’re also reliable and capable of handling 4K video at 60 frames per second as well as Dolby Atmos audio and HDR (high dynamic range).
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Purchase A New Tv Or Monitor
Look for a 4K resolution display, which has four times the pixels of standard HD (1,920 x 1,080).
Find one with HDR support, which means it can get very bright and very dark compared to non-HDR displays. Most people will benefit from this feature more than they realize!
Make sure you get at least 120Hz refresh rate; otherwise, your videos will stutter when you watch them at high speeds like 1080p/24 or 2160p/60.
If possible, look for what’s called “High Dynamic Range,” or HDR on TVs—you’ll see it as an added feature in many TVs these days and often hear about it being part of some new content from streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video (which we’ll discuss later).
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Upgrade Your A/V Receiver
You may have heard of the term “home theater system” before, but do you know what it means? It’s a combination of audio and video equipment that are specifically designed to work together.
An A/V receiver is the heart of your home entertainment system and allows you to connect all of your components together. As such, many people tend to focus on getting an A/V receiver first when setting up a home theater because it will dictate how well everything else works in conjunction with each other.
Generally speaking, more expensive models offer better sound quality than cheaper ones—but there are still some high-end options under $1,000 (like Denon’s AVR-S920W).
The bottom line: If money isn’t an issue for you and want the best possible sound quality from your setup, then go for one with Dolby Atmos support at least!
| Brand | Model | Channels | Audio Formats Supported | Video Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha | RX-V685 | 7.2 | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MusicCast, Zone B | 4K Ultra HD Pass-through with HDR |
| Denon | AVR-X2700H | 7.2 | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, HEOS | 8K Ultra HD Pass-Through with HDR10+ |
| Onkyo | TX-NR696 | 7.2 | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Sonos, FlareConnect | 4K Ultra HD with HDR10 and HLG |
| Pioneer | VSX-LX504 | 9.2 | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, MCACC | 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision HDR |
The table above lists some examples of recommended A/V receivers available in the market from well-known brands, their models, and key features. An A/V receiver is one of the most critical components of a home audio system, and upgrading to a new one can greatly improve the audio and video quality of your setup.
The models listed above offer great features such as multiple audio format support, 4K/8K Ultra HD video passthrough or upscaling and additional channels, providing an immersive home theater experience.
Don’t Overlook The Speakers
It’s easy to overlook the speakers when you’re setting up your home entertainment system. They can cost a lot of money and require some serious thought and planning, but they’re also essential to getting the best sound quality out of your speakers.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing speakers:
How much space do they need? Speakers come in different sizes, so be sure you know how big they need to be before buying them.
The bigger the room, the larger you want your speaker systems to be. If there’s only one place where these speakers will fit into your living room or den then consider hiding them behind walls or cabinets if possible!
What type of sound do I want? Different types of music will require different types of speakers (and sometimes even more than one type).
For example if someone loves jazz music then choosing large boxes with plenty bass might not be ideal because it could overpower other instruments like saxophones during certain songs!
This might seem like an obvious thing but don’t forget about proper placement either! Positioning matters too when it comes down tuning up any room properly.”
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Consider Installing A Soundbar
If you’re on a budget and still want better sound for movies and TV shows, consider installing a soundbar. Soundbars are easy to install and can help you get great sound without spending lots of money.
Soundbars are also less expensive than full surround systems. They often include either one or two speakers in the front of the unit, but there’s no need to buy additional rear speakers unless you have an extra room where people spend time listening to music or watching movies with friends. Soundbars can be used with or without a subwoofer (a separate speaker that enhances bass), depending on your preferences and budget.
A Blu-Ray Player Is Still Necessary
A Blu-ray player is still necessary for the same reasons it was in 2010. It’s a great way to watch movies on your TV and you’ll still need one to watch 4K Blu-ray discs (if you want to go down that path).
We may be in an era of streaming, but there are still plenty of people who prefer physical media for their movie collection.
The good news is that the price of Blu-rays have dropped significantly over the past few years, so don’t worry about spending much money if you decide to purchase one now!
| Brand | Model | Resolution | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony | UBP-X700 | 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision | The Sony UBP-X700 offers excellent 4K picture quality with HDR compatibility, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support for an immersive audio and visual experience. It can also play a variety of formats and has access to streaming services. |
| Panasonic | DP-UB820-K | 4K HDR10+, Dolby Vision | The Panasonic DP-UB820-K provides superb 4K UHD resolution with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support for a more vibrant and crisp picture. It also allows high-res audio reproduction and has a range of streaming services available. |
| LG | UBKM9 | 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, Dolby Vision | The LG UBKM9 is a budget-friendly 4K player that supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, providing an exceptional viewing experience with crystal-clear visuals. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity and access to popular streaming services. |
| Oppo | UDP-203 | 4K UHD, HDR, Dolby Vision | The Oppo UDP-203 is a high-end player that offers an outstanding 4K UHD quality, HDR and Dolby Vision support, along with versatile connectivity options. It also features exceptional sound quality, making it well-suited for audiophiles. |
The table above highlights some of the best Blu-ray players available in the market from different brand names, their models, and the unique features they offer.
Despite the evolution of digital streaming, owning a Blu-ray player is still essential to those who enjoy high-quality audio and visual entertainment. With the advancements in technology, today’s players offer cutting-edge features and exceptional viewing experiences.
Recycle And Upgrade Existing Components
You may already have some components that can be reused in your new setup. If they’re still working, keep them! You might want to upgrade soon after installation, but the old stuff is still good until then.
If any of these items are no longer working or too outdated to be repaired, consider recycling them.
There are many options available: donate them or sell them on eBay or Craigslist—or just throw away the broken ones and buy replacements online (which will probably cost less than what you’d pay for repairs).
Subscribe To Streaming Services, Like Netflix And Hulu.
If you’re a movie and TV show fanatic, Netflix and Hulu are two streaming services that won’t disappoint. Both offer thousands of titles including some recent movies and shows from this year that haven’t come out on DVD yet and aren’t available for purchase.
Netflix has a more extensive collection of content than Hulu does. If you want to watch something obscure or offbeat, Netflix probably has it in its library (think: “The Criterion Collection”). Plus, there are great international titles available too!
Hulu is good for current TV shows and documentaries but can sometimes feel like watching content through a small window.
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Organize Your Entertainment With A Universal Remote Control.
You can save a lot of time and energy by getting yourself a universal remote that can control multiple devices.
A universal remote is one device that controls all of your home entertainment equipment, such as your TV, Blu-ray player, cable box and sound system.
You’ll have to program each individual device separately into the universal remote (you can usually do this in less than 15 minutes), but once you’ve done so – voilà! You’ve just saved yourself from having to use five different remotes for different devices in every room of your house.
If you’re buying a new remote control for your home entertainment system, buy one that’s easy to program and use.
The best way to shop for this kind of product is by reading reviews from real people who have used it before.
If possible search online or check out consumer reports on this product first; this will help prevent unnecessary headaches later down the road when something goes wrong with either the product itself or its setup process (if applicable).
| Brand | Model | Compatibility | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech | Harmony 950 | TV, cable box, streaming media player | Streamline your entertainment system with the Logitech Harmony 950 that can control up to 15 devices with customizable actions and backlit buttons. |
| Philips | SRP3014/27 | Most TVs and cable/satellite boxes | The Philips SRP3014/27 universal remote features an ergonomic design and easy to navigate buttons, allowing users to easily control both their television and cable/satellite box. |
| GE Universal | 25038 | TV, DVD/Blu-ray player, soundbar, streaming player | The GE 25038 universal remote control is compatible with a wide range of devices, including TVs, DVD/Blu-ray players, soundbars, and streaming players, and features an intuitive interface for easy operation and programming. |
| Sony | RMVLZ620 | Most major brands of TV, VCR, DVD, and more | The Sony RMVLZ620 universal remote control allows users to operate and program most major brands of devices, including TVs, VCRs, DVDs, and more without the need for multiple remotes. |
The table above shows some of the best universal remote controls available in the market from different brand names, their models and compatibility with various entertainment devices. With a universal remote control, you can streamline your entertainment system and have a clutter-free entertainment experience.
Look Out For Deals On Home Audio And Video Equipment Online.
Another great place to start your search for home audio and video equipment deals is online. Deal websites like Woot and Techbargains are a great place to look for deals on everything from TVs to computers, as well as home audio/video equipment. eBay has tons of options in all price ranges, too.
Amazon has some really good deals every now and then, but they’re also known for having some pretty steep prices on some things as well (especially if you’re looking at higher-end models).
Craigslist can be hit or miss depending on where you live, though there are plenty of people who post items they no longer need once they upgrade their setup, or even those who just want to get rid of something old because it’s taking up space in their house!
Facebook Marketplace is another great way to find local classifieds listings for free—and since most people list items there with pictures already attached it makes shopping easier than ever before!
There are plenty more sites out there where people sell stuff online (like Amazon Marketplace), so don’t limit yourself just yet; we’ll continue exploring more ways later on down this list!
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Conclusion
Well, there you have it everything you need to know about setting up your home entertainment system.
Our hope is that this article has given you a few ideas for improving how you watch TV and movies at home and maybe even inspired some new purchases. In any case, we wish you luck on your journey toward better audio-visual bliss!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that can provide further information on how to set up a home entertainment system:
Complete Home Theater Setup Guide for Movie Buffs: This guide provides an in-depth list of what you need to set up a home theater, from furniture to equipment, for a complete movie-watching experience.
Essential Elements of a Home Theater System: If you’re wondering what pieces of equipment you need for a quality home theater system, this article covers all the essential elements, from TVs to projectors to sound systems.
The Best Gear for Your Home Theater: This guide provides a comprehensive review of the best home entertainment equipment on the market, from TVs to projectors, speakers, and more.
FAQs
Here are some common questions related to home entertainment systems:
What should I consider before buying a home theater system?
Before you buy a home theater system, consider the size and layout of the room, your budget, and the type of entertainment you want to enjoy.
Can I set up a home theater system myself?
Yes, you can set up a home theater system yourself, but it may require some technical knowledge. Make sure to do your research and follow instructions carefully.
Do I need a large room for a home theater system?
No, you don’t necessarily need a large room for a home theater system. It’s all about working with the space you have and optimizing your equipment for a quality experience.
How can I improve the sound quality of my home theater system?
To improve the sound quality of your home theater system, consider investing in quality speakers and a soundbar, calibration software, and soundproofing materials.
Should I choose a TV or a projector for my home theater system?
The decision to choose a TV or a projector for your home theater system depends on your personal preferences and budget. Projectors are often more immersive, but TVs can provide higher resolutions and brightness.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James and I’m a writer and editor with a passion for home technology. I’ve been working in this field for over 10 years, so I know what it’s like to be a part of the growing field of smart home technology. I’ve written about everything from how to choose the right smart thermostat to what the best smart doorbell is for your needs.
