10 Quick Tips for Setting Up A Home Theater
Parimal
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A faulty home theater setup can be your worst nightmare. There are many reasons to make sure home entertainment electronic components are assembled and connected properly since dangers and hazards can range from fires to electronic device blowouts. In fact, many homeowners are still snaking wires through their home, which may cause unintended dangers beyond anyone's imagination.
As always, it's best to plan ahead before you simply go out and buy new entertainment equipment. Think about where you want all of the components to be placed, how many and what type of connections, cord and wire length, speaker placement, how your furniture will be placed, etc. There are many considerations.
Once you have everything arranged, you can begin connecting all of your equipment and you'll soon be enjoying the latest movies, tv shows and games. Connecting wires and plugging cords into outlets may seem straight forward, but this is actually the part that requires the most careful consideration. Outlet configuration is a crucial step, so don't rush to completion!
Below are some great suggestions on how you can avoid an unintentional fire or an appliance to blow out due to the outlet configuration.
1. This may seem like common sense, but it's surprising how many people, perhaps in their haste to enjoy the end results of their new system, don't read the manuals that come with their new equipment. It doesn't take much time, and the information and knowledge will only ever benefit you.
2. Use the correct gauge of wire for your installation. The foremost thing to remember is that the longer the distance you have to run the wire, the heavier the gauge of the wire. This is often overlooked, but very crucial in order to successfully transmit the signal.
3. Gather all cables and wires together before you start connecting anything and ensure that all of them are going to be the proper length for what is required. It is extremely frustrating to find out one of your cables is too short after you've already set everything up.
4. Always ensure that all of your components are powered off before you begin connecting them. If your equipment is turned on before you've made the appropriate connections, you run the risk of sudden high power loads which can damage the system before you've even had a chance to use it!
5. Properly wire speakers to the receiver: Use consistent polarity from each speaker to the receiver. Simply connect the appropriate speaker to the designated speaker terminals in the back of the receiver. If you are unsure of the polarity, check out this quick guide.
6. Use the right cables to connect your sources: Make sure you are not substituting cables for a particular device for another. That spells danger at some point. Here is a resource about the various HDMI cable options and this resource will help you understand audio/video cables and connectors.
7. Make sure your equipment is purchased from a competent and authorized dealer: It is vital that your home theater equipment (i.e. TV, DVD player, speakers, etc.) come from a dealer that backs its products should anything unexpected occur. Check customer service and return policies before you make your purchase.
8. Avoid snaking wires and plugging too many devices in the same outlet: Nothing spells danger more than overloaded outlet or power bar. Make sure you are either using a power strip that can handle the output needed for the devices plugged in, or use more than one outlet.
9. Aim for less wires: Nowadays, wires are becoming more and more obsolete, not only for visually appealing set-ups, but for safety and energy saving purposes. One product to consider is a wireless HD computer to TV system, which enables users to stream a variety of multimedia content directly from their computer (PC or Mac) to their TV, from up to 30 feet away, with minimal wires. This option also allows you to avoid using optical media to watch movies, etc.
10. If necessary, hire a professional: As with many projects, it may serve your needs best to hire outside help. Ask your sales representative what is involved with setting up your system, and if he/she sounds as if they are speaking a foreign language, consider that a sign to commission outside help.
A home theater system is a great tool in and of itself, but in order to truly benefit from it you must understand how it works, find the one that is best suited to your particular needs and apply it correctly. Researching and understand the technology and how to set it up is imperative, and will ensure a system that serves you well and results in money well spent.
As always, it's best to plan ahead before you simply go out and buy new entertainment equipment. Think about where you want all of the components to be placed, how many and what type of connections, cord and wire length, speaker placement, how your furniture will be placed, etc. There are many considerations.
Once you have everything arranged, you can begin connecting all of your equipment and you'll soon be enjoying the latest movies, tv shows and games. Connecting wires and plugging cords into outlets may seem straight forward, but this is actually the part that requires the most careful consideration. Outlet configuration is a crucial step, so don't rush to completion!
Below are some great suggestions on how you can avoid an unintentional fire or an appliance to blow out due to the outlet configuration.
1. This may seem like common sense, but it's surprising how many people, perhaps in their haste to enjoy the end results of their new system, don't read the manuals that come with their new equipment. It doesn't take much time, and the information and knowledge will only ever benefit you.
2. Use the correct gauge of wire for your installation. The foremost thing to remember is that the longer the distance you have to run the wire, the heavier the gauge of the wire. This is often overlooked, but very crucial in order to successfully transmit the signal.
3. Gather all cables and wires together before you start connecting anything and ensure that all of them are going to be the proper length for what is required. It is extremely frustrating to find out one of your cables is too short after you've already set everything up.
4. Always ensure that all of your components are powered off before you begin connecting them. If your equipment is turned on before you've made the appropriate connections, you run the risk of sudden high power loads which can damage the system before you've even had a chance to use it!
5. Properly wire speakers to the receiver: Use consistent polarity from each speaker to the receiver. Simply connect the appropriate speaker to the designated speaker terminals in the back of the receiver. If you are unsure of the polarity, check out this quick guide.
6. Use the right cables to connect your sources: Make sure you are not substituting cables for a particular device for another. That spells danger at some point. Here is a resource about the various HDMI cable options and this resource will help you understand audio/video cables and connectors.
7. Make sure your equipment is purchased from a competent and authorized dealer: It is vital that your home theater equipment (i.e. TV, DVD player, speakers, etc.) come from a dealer that backs its products should anything unexpected occur. Check customer service and return policies before you make your purchase.
8. Avoid snaking wires and plugging too many devices in the same outlet: Nothing spells danger more than overloaded outlet or power bar. Make sure you are either using a power strip that can handle the output needed for the devices plugged in, or use more than one outlet.
9. Aim for less wires: Nowadays, wires are becoming more and more obsolete, not only for visually appealing set-ups, but for safety and energy saving purposes. One product to consider is a wireless HD computer to TV system, which enables users to stream a variety of multimedia content directly from their computer (PC or Mac) to their TV, from up to 30 feet away, with minimal wires. This option also allows you to avoid using optical media to watch movies, etc.
10. If necessary, hire a professional: As with many projects, it may serve your needs best to hire outside help. Ask your sales representative what is involved with setting up your system, and if he/she sounds as if they are speaking a foreign language, consider that a sign to commission outside help.
A home theater system is a great tool in and of itself, but in order to truly benefit from it you must understand how it works, find the one that is best suited to your particular needs and apply it correctly. Researching and understand the technology and how to set it up is imperative, and will ensure a system that serves you well and results in money well spent.
About the Author:
Glen Hoffman is a trained artist who specializes in home theater design and will work personally with you by evaluating your aesthetic and sound control needs. He will make the appropriate recommendations based on his experience with over 800 Home Theater designs.
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