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How to Make a Home Theatre Setup

By
Home Builder with link home builders

Home theatres are more popular than ever, now that the components are affordable for everyone. Now you, too, can enjoy a vibrant movie theatre experience right in your own home. Below, we go through the steps of a home theatre installation.

 

Step 1: Choose Your Space

Ideally, your home theatre installation should occupy a space measuring 20 feet long by 13 feet wide. The best area in your home is away from the main rooms, such as bedrooms and the office. Otherwise, you will disturb everyone else in the house.

 

Step 2: Frame and Insulate Your Theatre

Whether you decide to build your theatre in the attic, basement or a newly build room, enclosure and insulation are very important. In fact, insulation is one of the most critical components for this room. You will need plenty of R30-rated floor, ceiling and wall insulation. R11 is even better. It will help keep the rest of your home usable when someone is going for the full-immersion experience while watching a loud sci-fi or action film.

 

Step 3: Pre-Wiring the Surround Sound

Surround sound is the very core of your home theatre experience. Most in-home theatres use one subwoofer and seven channel speakers as part of a 7.1 surround sound system. With this system, you place your speakers to the left, right and center. Two go to the sides and two to the back.

 

Steps for setting up your surround sound include:

  • Mark where the center speaker will go, just above or beneath the screen

  • Mark the left and right speaker positions at ear height

  • Mark the side walls just beyond the main seating row for placement of the side surrounds

  • Mark the back wall for the rear surrounds

  • Choose a home for your receiver and A/V equipment, such as inside a cabinet or closet

  • Run audio cables from the receiver hub to each speaker position, using 16-gauge, 4-conductor cables for the side and rear speaker

  • Run audio cables to the left, right and center speakers, using at least 12 or 14-gauge cables

 

You can also choose to add 9.1 surround sound in your home theatre, if preferred. For this setup, you will have another set of speakers at the head of the theatre, in the ceiling. When you watch action movies or anything with overhead action, like a helicopter flying above a scene, this audio will come through the top speakers.

 

Step 4: Pre-Wiring the Video

Pre-wire your video projector system using an HDMI cable for high-def video and a CAT5 control wire for RF remote access.

 

Step 5: Pre-Wiring Lighting

Lighting is a critical element of your home theatre experience. Most homeowners install recessed ceiling lighting, sconces on side walls with basic electrical wiring and an RF dimmer for remote control.

 

Step 6: Install Drywall and Soundproofing

Ensure you careful cut through the drywall for routing of your pre-wired audio and electrical cables. You can use home theatre drywall. QuietRock Soundproof Drywall is effective but expensive. As a less costly option, use standard drywall lined with high-density vinyl or other sound-dampening material. Also install a solid-core door to keep sound from penetrating throughout your home.

 

Step 7: Set Up Video and Sound Systems

Paint the drywall. Then hang your speakers, screen and projector. Ideally, you have selected a screen measuring 110 to 120 inches for a 20x13 theatre. You may also choose to install proscenium acoustic panels around the screen to hide your speakers. Around other speakers, install decorative acoustic panels to double as artwork. Connect the speakers and projector to your receiver.

 

Step 8: Install Seating

For your seating, choose from an ever-increasing selection of specialty home theatre seating on the market. You can also choose comfy loveseats, if preferred. Do not forget a side table or other arrangement for each viewer to place their drink cups or popcorn containers.

Enjoy Your Home Theatre Experience

Of course, the best way to get this job done is to hire a contractor who specializes in home theatre installations. The experts have access to all of the latest materials and components on the market and can ensure you have all of the gadgets you want, right at your fingertips. Do not forget that your installation can include your cable connection, gaming system, DVD/DVR player and PC connections.

 

Comments (2)

Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

I prefer the old fashioned way..."call the tech guys"; amswer the door when they arrive...sit back and watch them work LOL

Mar 08, 2021 12:33 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I think I might re-design my home theater just for fun during these pandemic times. Is it pretty good idea!

Mar 08, 2021 11:19 PM
Saheer Gurjot

Thank you, hopefully the project and everything goes well for you.

Mar 09, 2021 12:01 AM