Getting Started With Home Theater Equipment

Home theater. Where do I start? What do I need? How much should I spend?These are just a few of the questions asked by people who are looking at upgrading their personal movie experience in the comfort of their own home.Fear not as it is not all that bad or as stressful as you may think, in fact it can be quite exciting and if your in need of some retail therapy then home theater is a good place to start.

So you've decided to take the big leap into the world of home entertainment or more specifically "Home Theater".Well hey do you have some exciting times ahead of you? Yes you do.Now before I get going here I just want to point out that if you are a woman it's OK to get excited about entering the world of home theater. I know it seems men are the majority when it comes to shopping for home electronics but let me tell you that that is starting to change, and fast.Now before you go out and get that retail therapy, the first thing you should do is know how much you are wanting to spend. Yes people you need to have some sort of budget in mind, if you don't things could get a little out of hand and before you know it you've blown all of your money on the latest big screen Plasma TV and you have nothing left for other goodies that are essential for your home theater experience.The following is a list of what I like to call HT Basics (things you absolutely need to have)

• TV - yes I know this is quite an obvious choice if you want to see your movie right?
• Speakers - a standard set up typically requires 5 speakers plus a subwoofer.
• DVD or Blu-ray disc player if you want to view movies in high definition.
• Amplifier/Receiver - this is required to send the various audio signals to the correct speakers so that you can have a true to life experience. Put it this way if you didn't have one of these you might as well watch the movie with subtitles.
• TV stand.
• Speaker stands or mounts.
• Various Cables and connectors. (HDMI, S-Video, Component)

Now remember I mentioned budget earlier on. If your budget isn't the greatest or maybe you don't have a lot of available space then one option that may be better suited to you is a HTIB or "home theater in a box"A typical home theater in a box would include a set of speakers including a subwoofer. The amplifier and DVD player are usually combined into one unit and all cables and connectors are also supplied. Some systems may include speaker mounts or stands for the rear speakers but one thing that is most definitely not included is a TV. I should also point out that a home theater in box can be found in almost all the major bands. So don't feel like your going to end up with a cheap no name brand that may break down a day after the warranty expires. Been there before.Now thats it as far as basic equipment goes but something tells me that you're not just after the basics.Am I right? Yes folks with home theater there is definitely something for everyone no matter what you taste's may be and the following is a list of some goodies that may be of interest to you

• TV Stands - the name says it all. All sorts of styles made from your choice of materials like glass, powder coated steel, solid woods and various wood veneers.
• Entertainment Centers - Basically a larger version of the TV stand but with a few more options and more storage space and shelves to hold those pictures or little knick knacks you may have.
• Speaker Stands - Now we're not just talking about a piece of tubular steel with a bracket on it. If your serious about getting the best out of your speakers take the time to do some good research here OK.
• Projector Screen - If you really want that big movie theater experience at home then a projector and screen may be an option for you.
• Seating - Now you may saying to yourself "I already have furniture" trust me on this one you need to see what is available when it comes to home theater seating. Some of the features will blow your mind like a soundless subwoofer that lets you feel the movie effects , prelite cupholders so you will never have to feel around for your drink in the dark, heated lower back supports and of course full massage.

Well folks I hope I have given you something to think about today. Now remember there is a heck of a lot more available than what I have mentioned and don't forget that you can do much of your research and purchases for that matter online.So what are you waiting for?