Everything You Need to DIY a Home Movie Theater

A video projector takes a video signal and projects It onto a screen through its lens. This larger image can deliver the closest thing to a full cinema experience for your home theater. Most projectors deliver images in high definition 1080p. Previously you had to have a large viewing room to get the full effects of a projection image, but newer models known as short throw laser projectors have reduced the space needed. Short throw lasers can be placed closer to the screen and deliver a cinema-quality image to the screen. New projectors also reduce the need for an extremely dark room for best viewing. A projector mount keeps your unit in position and out of the way.

Many of us may remember hanging a bedsheet on the wall to show home movies. Today’s projector screens have replaced that old-fashioned method with modern technology. You can find screen sizes of 100 inches or more to rival a cinema experience. There are fixed-frame models and motorized screens that can retract out of sight when not in use. You can also get a portable screen with a collapsible stand that can be used anywhere.

Your TV is going to be the main focus of your home theater. A flat screen TV is the best choice for overall daily viewing. Getting the right size is important as you don’t want to be straining to make out the action or be overwhelmed by a screen that is too large. For most homes, a 65-inch screen is the right size to deliver a good picture without dominating the room. Larger size rooms may be able to accommodate a 75 or 85-inch screen.

The resolution of your LED TV will determine the quality of the picture. The higher the resolution the better picture you will see. 4K resolution is the standard today and is available at price points from $300 up to $3,500 or more, depending on size and resolution quality. Lowe’s features TVs from brands like Samsung, LG and Sony so you can choose the exact model for your room.

Many people choose to mount their big screen TV on the wall to provide a better viewing angle while not taking up floor space. This is done with TV mounts that securely fasten your screen on a flat wall. TV mounts can allow you to angle the screen for the best view or can extend outward to allow for cleaning and attaching cables with ease. To learn more check out our article How to Mount a Flat Screen TV.

It is important to understand how home theater speaker systems are configured. Most systems are either 3.1, 5.1 or 7.1. The first number refers to the number of speakers in the system, while the second is the number of subwoofers you will have. For example, in a 3.1 system, you will have a left channel speaker, right channel speaker, center channel speaker and a subwoofer. A 3.1 system is the basic set-up for a home theater and is good for small spaces. A 5.1 system adds left and right rear channel speakers, and a 7.1 system will add left and right-side speakers for a full surround sound experience.

For most people, a 5.1 system is the way to go, with the added rear speakers adding depth and better sound reproduction. All of these systems are available in all-in-one home theater kits. These kits take the guesswork out of what you need, with all wiring and installation instructions included to make your speaker set-up easy.

Sound bars offer a simple setup for a quality sound system. Most bars have two main speakers and an external subwoofer and set up is easy with a HDMI cable or an optical fiber digital audio cable. Sound bars can deliver Dolby Digital sound without the need for numerous speaker setup, and many are also feature Bluetooth connectivity so you can stream music from your phone. Sound bars are perfect for small home theaters or situations where loud volume may be an issue.