The first thing that most guys want to do when they finally have their own house is finish or remodel the basement. A home theater setup is always high on the list of design options for a basement. Anyone can buy a giant TV and recliner and call it a home theater—but that doesn’t make it so. To have a top-end space to watch your favorite movies or teams, there are some essential home theater components that everyone needs.
Speakers
Having quality speakers that deliver crystal clear sound to every corner of your home theater is what takes it to the next level. In the old days, giant speakers sitting next to the TV was all that was available. So, everyone would pop Top Gun into the VCR and crank it up until the windows shook. We know better today; there is superior tech out there in smaller packages that will make your ears ring for days (in the best way).
Surge Protector
The surge protector is the unsung hero you need right now. You will have a lot of juice running through the theater, so it’s a good idea to protect it. Speakers, TVs, center channels, DVD players, and towers will all be running on the same circuit—in short, it’s a lot. A simple surge protector will keep your electronics from blowing out during a power surge.
Display Screen
There is no right or wrong choice when deciding what kind of display screen you purchase. There are OLED, LCD TVs, HD TVs, video projectors, and a million other variations on the same thing. Before you buy anything, make sure that your theater can handle it. Spending a few grand on a TV and then finding out it’s too big to get in the door or for the room would be a bummer. Do some research and find out what screen size is best for you.
Source Components
You will need something to bring all your favorite flicks to life, and there are many forms available. DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and CDs are not dead yet, and most homes still have them somewhere. Set those players up and get your favorite streaming device going. A media stick, such as the Amazon Firestick, will let you stream from every available service on the internet. Get them all so you never miss a thing.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.