Installing a Home Theater

More and more people these days are realizing the lure that a home theater provides. But installing a home theater, from TV wall mounting to remote control set-up, can be a frustrating and aggravating ordeal for the best of us.

That’s where a professional company that has a blend of electrical and sound system people on staff, as well as a wealth of interior design expertise, can be of immense value, says Paul DeFeis, senior managing partner of Trade Mark Design & Build in Hawthorne, New Jersey. Installing a home theater is definitely a worthwhile investment, he says, not to mention something you can enjoy from day one.

In fact, home theaters are becoming so popular that they are becoming like home bars were in the 1970s, a must-have item that discerning homeowners can’t live without. One reason is thanks to the investment communication companies have made concerning their widespread availability. The introduction of HD (high-definition television) as well as IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) means that movie buffs now have the latest movie releases on demand at their fingertips, without ever having to visit a commercial theater.

But how do you install a theater in your home? Here are some of DeFeis’ top tips:

• We recommend basements as the best room for a home theater. Sound emissions from the home theater mean that installation lends itself well to a soundproof room that can contain noise. Your enjoyment inside the space will be uninterrupted, and noise won’t be transmitted to other areas of the house and thus disturb other occupants. Basements are also darker, as you don’t want outside light coming into the theater as you are watching a movie.
• The actual installation is pretty straightforward but the planning and design process is crucial and can be time-consuming. It has to do with acoustical measurements, making sure the sounds gets interpreted the correct way so that the end experience is perfect.
• There is a lot of choice people can go with as far as style is concerned. Our installation is totally custom, everything is fitted to the room. It’s pretty much the sky’s the limit as far as what you can pick out. We often gear our home theaters towards particular points of existing architecture or towards themes.
• Recent customers have gone for baseball, sport or movie themes. For example, they would do their favorite team’s insignia on the floor and on the chairs and have sports memorabilia in the foyer, so even when you approach the home theater you would immediately be aware of whether they are a Yankee or a Cubs fan. It’s not for anybody but some people love it.
• Movie themes are equally popular. A Casablanca theme, for example, would have old black and white movie posters and all the chairs would be art deco style, they just play off little pieces from the movie which they like and add a touch of class.
• We offer everything from design consultation to complete installation, as well on-site support, lighting and climate control systems, wireless remote control systems and multi-room audio control and distribution services. To complete the whole experience, some people have chosen to install popcorn machines in their home cinemas, and some have even outfitted them with home ticket booths!

Installing a home theater is something that your whole family will enjoy, and will also help increase the resale value of your home. If you invest in the right system for you, your family and your budget, it can be a win-win situation for everyone.