Spice up your at Home Theater with Today's Leading Technology.
In either case, it's beneficial to have an understanding of the current technology. You want to ensure you get precisely what you want in your home theater regardless of who ultimately installs it.
From the sound to the video to the equipment you need to tie it all together, let's explore the best technologies to add to your home theater.
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Surround Sound
It’s not necessarily images at a movie theater that capture your attention, but the sound of the film surrounding you on all sides that heighten your experience. With sporting events, the roar of the crowd or sounds of the action on the field or court is often what brings us to our feet. The swelling crescendo of music from a band, singer, or orchestra is what makes a concert so memorable.
To recreate these immersive experiences at home, you need sound systems that put you in the middle of the action from the comfort of your recliner. Prepackaged systems such as the Bose Soundbar 700 or Sonos 5.1 Beam fill a small space or DIY setup quite nicely. Both are available for under $2,000 and come with the ability to add additional components based on your needs.
For a premium experience that’s perfect for larger, customized home theater rooms, the Klipsch 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos Home Theater System doesn't come cheap at $6,510, but it satisfies any audiophile's need for high-performance sound. If you're willing to drop upwards of five figures on your surround sound system, French audio brand Focal's Chora’s speakers have few equals.
AV Receiver
Since AV receivers are so important, we recommend you perform extensive homework or consult with a professional before purchasing this particular component. AV receivers aren’t exactly plug-and-play like some TVs and all-in-one home theater systems—there are plenty of variables that determine the best AV receiver for your setup.
That said, there are a few things to look for if you want to DIY your home theater. First, seek out a multi-channel receiver that can accommodate your current speaker setup and any future additions. Next, ensure the receiver is input-friendly—you can never have too many inputs to accommodate all of your streaming, gaming, cable, or video playback devices. Finally, if you want flexibility, make sure it's Bluetooth capable. For more flexibility, ensure it has Wi-Fi. For the best in sound, you'll want it to handle Dolby Atmos.
So, which AV receivers fit these basic requirements? Receivers don't come cheap, but if you want a simple, entry-level device that will put you on the track toward your home theater dreams, at $279, the Sony STR-DH590 is all you need. Want a little more oomph in your home audio and video capabilities? The Denon AVR-X2700H ($849) or Yamaha RX-A2080 ($1,699) are perfect upgrade choices.
If money is no object and you desire to be the envy of everyone in your neighborhood, the Denon AVR-110—priced at $5,499—should be the only AV receiver on your list.
Credit: Projector Reviews
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Credit: Salamander Designs