How to Configure Equipment for a Home Theater System
Building a home theater quickly requires selecting appropriate equipment. Every component is crucial; deficiencies in any area impact the overall experience. However, choosing components that suit your needs and synergize perfectly is paramount. Below is a guide on system configuration.
1. Define Your Needs:
Will your home theater be used primarily for casual listening, or are audio effects less important to you?
Do you envision a system capable of both music playback and movie viewing?
If sound quality is paramount, test both movie soundtracks and music discs during evaluation. Prioritize testing music performance, as it rigorously tests fidelity. Experience shows speakers often perform better with music than movies. For home theater, also evaluate sound localization accuracy, clarity, immersion, and dynamics during demos.
2. Is Amplifier Power Sufficient?
If speakers are hard to drive, does your chosen amplifier/receiver have enough power?
Novices often think speakers have a strict power limit. This is incorrect. Driving speakers with power exceeding their rating often yields better results than underpowering them. Power requirements depend on personal taste, room size, speaker sensitivity, and impedance. At the same volume level, lower sensitivity or lower impedance speakers require more power. Manufacturer power ratings can be misleading. Always test with your speakers. Consult about power adequacy before purchase. Test with diverse high-dynamic-range content and listen critically.
3. Video Signal Processing Needs:
Do you need the system to switch/process multiple video sources?
Do you have HD source devices?
Do you need 720p/1080i upscaling capability?
Route the video signal directly to the display, then route the same signal through the component under test. Comparing the results provides an initial assessment of video processing quality. A good home theater processor shouldn't degrade the picture via its video processing. Also test upscaling: Can it upscale DVD to 1080p? Does it genuinely improve picture quality? Beware of marketing claims versus actual performance.
4. Connectivity Requirements:
Do you need i.Link (FireWire), DVI, or HDMI inputs? Additionally, do you need iPod integration or satellite radio antenna inputs?
Do you need LAN (network) connectivity?
For most users, choose equipment that meets current needs with good compatibility. Consider future needs to avoid rapid obsolescence, but avoid unnecessary features you may never use.
5. Firmware Upgradability:
Considering the upgradability of your home theater system is wise to mitigate rapid obsolescence due to technological advances. However, remember you are buying equipment for enjoyment *now*. Prioritize current utility over future-proofing; "good enough" often is.
6. Ease of Use:
Does configuring the system require expert help? Do you truly need such complexity?
Systems are typically controlled via on-screen menus and remotes. Ease of use is a critical quality indicator. Before purchasing, test the remote and navigate the setup menu. Both should be intuitive. If usability is poor, reconsider the purchase.
1. Define Your Needs:
Will your home theater be used primarily for casual listening, or are audio effects less important to you?
Do you envision a system capable of both music playback and movie viewing?
If sound quality is paramount, test both movie soundtracks and music discs during evaluation. Prioritize testing music performance, as it rigorously tests fidelity. Experience shows speakers often perform better with music than movies. For home theater, also evaluate sound localization accuracy, clarity, immersion, and dynamics during demos.
2. Is Amplifier Power Sufficient?
If speakers are hard to drive, does your chosen amplifier/receiver have enough power?
Novices often think speakers have a strict power limit. This is incorrect. Driving speakers with power exceeding their rating often yields better results than underpowering them. Power requirements depend on personal taste, room size, speaker sensitivity, and impedance. At the same volume level, lower sensitivity or lower impedance speakers require more power. Manufacturer power ratings can be misleading. Always test with your speakers. Consult about power adequacy before purchase. Test with diverse high-dynamic-range content and listen critically.
3. Video Signal Processing Needs:
Do you need the system to switch/process multiple video sources?
Do you have HD source devices?
Do you need 720p/1080i upscaling capability?
Route the video signal directly to the display, then route the same signal through the component under test. Comparing the results provides an initial assessment of video processing quality. A good home theater processor shouldn't degrade the picture via its video processing. Also test upscaling: Can it upscale DVD to 1080p? Does it genuinely improve picture quality? Beware of marketing claims versus actual performance.
4. Connectivity Requirements:
Do you need i.Link (FireWire), DVI, or HDMI inputs? Additionally, do you need iPod integration or satellite radio antenna inputs?
Do you need LAN (network) connectivity?
For most users, choose equipment that meets current needs with good compatibility. Consider future needs to avoid rapid obsolescence, but avoid unnecessary features you may never use.
5. Firmware Upgradability:
Considering the upgradability of your home theater system is wise to mitigate rapid obsolescence due to technological advances. However, remember you are buying equipment for enjoyment *now*. Prioritize current utility over future-proofing; "good enough" often is.
6. Ease of Use:
Does configuring the system require expert help? Do you truly need such complexity?
Systems are typically controlled via on-screen menus and remotes. Ease of use is a critical quality indicator. Before purchasing, test the remote and navigate the setup menu. Both should be intuitive. If usability is poor, reconsider the purchase.