Home theater systems for those who understand what quality is all about…

There was a time that the only way to get theater quality sound was to, well, go to the theater. Not now. Not ever again. Now you can get high theater sound and pictures through good home theater systems.

Design matters. That comes as no surprise. However, the problem with home theater design for the average person has been in its cost. It used to be that buying good home theater systems meant spending money. Big money. That was then.

The novice spends all their time looking for a good picture. The expert spends more time on the sound quality.

Home audio, within the last few years, has offered the public a way to bring movie sound to the living room.

Through the use of speaker placement, center channel speakers, in-wall and ceiling speakers, and a myriad of other technologies, the theater is now piped into a den, with the convenience of a couch and low cost snacks (read: your own popcorn).

Setting up good home audio systems is not as complex nor as expensive as you might think. You just need a simple outline.

Figuring out what you want in an in-house audio theater

Your speaker placement is a large determinate in regard to the type of audio system you purchase and install.

If you prefer the “stealth” look then your obvious choice would be to go with a wall mount and/or ceiling speaker set-up. That, of course, requires a bit of cutting and reconstructing some of the existing structure.

Yet wireless speaker technology enables an easy transition of an existing living room or den into a high-tech wireless home audio theater. Wireless speakers, controls, and receivers are a good solution if you have a situation where furniture may be rearranged from time to time.

Also, you need to be aware of the importance of balance within home theater sound. You want to avoid creating “holes” where sound is lost, or at least not as ideal as you want it to be. A few simple rules will help:

• Say no to speakers on carpet. Outside of a Bass Woofer, speakers need to be raise off of the carpet.

• Picture the sound waves as they travel through the air to their target. Make sure to angle the speakers to the central point where the largest listening/viewing audience will be.

• Understand the acoustics of your in-home theater systems. If you're setting up in an unfinished basement you are going to have trouble. It isn't all about the stereo components. Much of the problems in home theater design stem from poor room acoustics. A good home audio magazine will help with the details.

Find out how you want your system to move in your home

Rooms will change. From décor to placement, your home theater systems are going to need to fit in. That is, if you don't want to purchase a new one every other year. Stealth is usually better. A subwoofer underneath the couch, and in-wall/ceiling speakers make for an easy work-around.

However, speaker stands, mini-wireless speakers and the like have also made things more flexible.

It is also important to think about the layout of your room. Are you going to be making the space multi-functional or are you going to create a theater complete with theater seating and all?

Will your current furniture work or will it need to be upgraded too?

Proper planning will cut down on interior design costs and allow your theater system to not only look good, but to sound good as well. After all, you want to be comfortable while you watch the movie.

Where to go shopping?

Looking for components to outfit your home theater design no longer takes a day or weekend out of your life. You can peruse the latest technology while checking your email. Big discounts and good guarantees can be found online.

The task can be a bit daunting, so we have produced a buyer's guide for you. We hope that it will help you find what you're looking for. We know that our merchants will save you time and money.