Have you ever thought that creating a full-fledged home theater starts not with buying equipment, but with proper room design? It is important to think through the room's acoustics, ventilation system, and correctly choose finishes and furniture. It is these details that enhance surround sound and create that very "presence effect" for which you don't want to go to the cinema or a concert – instead, you stay at home, on a comfortable sofa, surrounded by loved ones, enjoying a movie or music.
But this time we will not talk about architectural solutions. Our focus is the technical equipment of a home theater, namely the TV.
"Star" lineup: equipment set for a home theater
It goes without saying that the equipment must be of high quality. Let's list the main set of equipment:
• A screen with a large diagonal – a TV, plasma panel, or projector with a projection screen.
• A multi-channel audio system – an amplifier and/or AV receiver, at least six acoustic systems (speakers), a manual equalizer, a magnetic screen, and connecting cables.
• A video signal source – a DVD player, HD player, multimedia station, or a powerful personal computer.
SAMSUNG HT-F455K/RU — 5.1-channel home theater with TV SoundOn function
This list can be expanded based on your needs and budget. The equipment is universal: if you have old media and devices capable of playing it, they can also be integrated into a home theater.
Don't forget about modern features available to home theaters:
• Internet access – via Wi-Fi or Ethernet port
• Connecting other gadgets (smartphone, tablet, laptop) – via Bluetooth
• Additional options – card reader, karaoke, timer, and more.
Now let's move on to the "voice" of home cinema – the acoustic system.
Acoustics and power of a home theater
Subwoofers are responsible for reproducing low frequencies. Their placement is not critical, the main thing is not to put them in corners. With speakers, the situation is different. The center speaker is placed near the TV, front speakers on the sides, and rear speakers on the sides of the viewer or behind their back. All speakers should be at head level or higher.
PHILIPS HTB5550G/51 — 5.1-channel acoustic system with 1000 W power, radio tuner, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and karaoke
Now about the options for speaker configurations:
2.0 – two front speakers without a subwoofer
2.1 – two speakers and a subwoofer for deep bass
3.1 – two front, one center speaker, and a subwoofer
5.1 – two front, two rear speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer. This configuration provides "surround" sound
6.1 – the same system, but with an additional rear speaker for more detailed sound
7.1 – another rear speaker is added
The power of the audio system should match the room area:
• 20-25 m² – 60-80 W
• 25-30 m² – 100 W
• from 30 m² – 150 W and more
When calculating total power, focus on the nominal values (RMS) specified in the technical documentation. If only peak power (PMPO) is specified in the datasheet, divide that value by 12 – you will get the nominal value.
Home theater screen: the "face" of the system
For a modern home cinema look, liquid crystal or plasma panels would be an ideal choice. They allow you to fully appreciate the image quality, color saturation, and detail.
• LCD TVs support HD format. They are economical, provide a bright and clear picture without flicker. However, many models with large diagonals may have a "soap opera effect" if the resolution is insufficient. LG TVs lack this drawback due to the increased resolution of their screens.
LG 32LB563V – 32-inch LCD TV with Full HD resolution and 178° viewing angles
• LCD TVs with LED backlighting often have a body thickness of 2-3 centimeters and a screen with accurate color reproduction. New LG models compare favorably with competitors: the image is not only bright but also soft, with deep black color. This is achieved through a high contrast ratio and detail.
LG 22MT45D-PZ – widescreen LED TV with Full HD and auto channel search
• Plasma panels (PDP) with a gas-discharge display and a diagonal of 42 inches or more are distinguished by fast picture refresh. At small diagonals, they are more expensive than LED counterparts, but as the diagonal increases, the price becomes comparable, and the quality remains high. Moreover, large plasma panels transmit dynamic scenes better than LED models. LG TVs in this category delight with realistic and rich images, high response speed, which is especially important when watching sports broadcasts and action movies.
LG 42PN450 – entry-level plasma TV with HD resolution of 1024x768, 600 Hz frequency, and a 42-inch screen
The diagonal size is selected according to the room area. For a home theater in a medium-sized room, models of 37-55 inches are suitable; for a large hall – from 55 inches. The viewing quality of analog broadcast and cable channels will be good only on large diagonals. The optimal aspect ratio for movies is 16:9, and the minimum resolution is HD Ready (1366x768 pixels).
3D in a home theater: maximum "presence effect"
Special attention deserves LG TVs with support for 3D images viewed in special glasses. The latest LED models with Full HD resolution can convert 2D content to 3D. You immerse yourself in a fairy-tale world whose heroes surround you, and you participate in exciting battles. Gamers have already appreciated 3D technology – the DualPlay mode allows two players to see separate images.
LG 79UB980V – LED TV with 3D and Smart TV support
Typically, LG TVs of this level are equipped with the Smart TV function. This allows you to access the internet directly from the TV screen – watch videos, listen to music, or check the weather forecast.
Remotes for LG 79UB980V: main – on the right, additional – on the left
Some models come with a second oval-shaped remote. It connects to the TV via Bluetooth and works as a remote pointer with an adjustable cursor. Managing the Smart TV menu becomes very convenient. To maximize internet capabilities, you can connect a compact media player to the TV – this will save you from buying an outdated DVD player.
Is that all?
Of course not. You could write more than one article about the capabilities of home theaters, ultra-modern TVs, and LG innovations. Explore the electronic catalogs of online stores and get acquainted with the latest achievements in the world of television. Your home theater will become a meeting place for friends and a cozy corner for solitary relaxation with your favorite movie, game, or music.
Material taken from the site http://www.5ok.com.ua/
