Home Theater Installation in PA & NJ
If you’re looking to upgrade your home entertainment, a home theater installation is the way to go. Audiolab will work with you to create a customized plan that fits your needs, budget, and space. Audiolab will recommend the latest in UHD projectors and Dolby Atmos sound systems for stunning picture quality and immersive audio. Let Audiolab designers streamline the process and help you build a beautiful theater system.
4 Steps To A Professional Custom Home Theater Setup
Installing a home theater system can greatly enhance your movie watching, gaming, and music experiences. Here’s a general guide to help you with the installation process, whether you’re installing a basic setup or a more complex one.
1. Planning and Preparation
Before installing your home theater system, it’s important to plan the layout and figure out where each component will go. Consider the following:
Room Size & Shape:
The size of the room will influence speaker placement and the size of the screen.
Viewing Distance:
For the best viewing experience, the distance between the TV/projector and the seating area should be 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal size of your screen.
Speaker Placement:
The optimal sound setup will depend on the number of speakers and the layout of your room.
2. Choosing Equipment
TV or Projector:
If you’re using a TV, consider 4K or OLED for the best picture quality.
A projector will require a screen, and you’ll want a darker room for optimal image quality.
AV Receiver:
This is the hub that powers your speakers and connects to your TV/projector, DVD/Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, etc.
Speakers:
A surround sound setup typically involves a 5.1 or 7.1 speaker configuration, which includes:
Front left and right speakers
Center speaker (for dialogue)
Surround speakers (for immersive sound)
Subwoofer (for deep bass)
Media Players:
Blu-ray players, streaming devices (e.g., Roku, Apple TV), or gaming consoles can be used to play media content.
3. Installing the Screen
TV Mounting:
If you’re wall-mounting a TV, you’ll need to secure the mount to studs using appropriate screws. Make sure the height and viewing angle are comfortable.
Projector Screen:
If you’re using a projector, you’ll need a screen that’s positioned on the wall. Motorized screens retract, while fixed-frame screens stay in place.
4. Wiring and Connections
AV Receiver Setup:
Connect your TV/projector to the receiver using HDMI cables (use HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1 for 4K resolution and HDR).
Connect your speakers to the receiver. Speaker wires should be of sufficient gauge (14 or 16 AWG is common for most setups).
Speaker Placement:
Front Left and Right: Place these speakers on either side of the screen, ideally at ear level when seated.
Surround Speakers:
Place these speakers on the sides or slightly behind the seating area, slightly above ear level.
Subwoofer:
The subwoofer can be placed on the floor anywhere in the room, though positioning near a wall can enhance bass performance.
Cable Management:
Use cable management systems or wire covers to keep cables neat and avoid tripping hazards.
Finally Testing Your Home Theater System
Once everything is hooked up and calibrated. Test the audio with a surround sound demo or a movie scene with rich sound effects to ensure the speakers are working properly and you’re getting full surround sound. Test the video for clarity, brightness, and resolution. Make sure everything looks sharp and colors are accurate.
Visit Our State of the Art Home Theater Room & Home Audio Store
Founded in 1958, Audiolab is a premier retailer and installer of high-end home theater, home audio systems, and home automation products. Shop your top brands receivers, amplifiers & speakers like Denon, JBL, Revel & more. Audiolab is a full service sales and installation company. Call us for expert advice and try out some of the world’s best audio brands.
