All home entertainment units have three
major components that are essential to creating a functional
home theater system. The main focus of any theater is the
television or video display. Sound quality is essential. A
complete sound system is key to providing the soul and voice
of the theatre. A source player is the third element,
providing the picture and sound. Cable or satellite TV is
standard in most homes but DVD and other players are also
added to expand the usefulness of a home theater. It is these
three major pieces of electronic innovation that make watching
a movie, playing the XBox or listening to a favorite CD
enjoyable and worthwhile.
Visual Element
There are video display options available to a home depending
on budget and preferences.
Rear Projection Television.
Television technology has been based on the cathode ray tube
(CRT) up until the 21st century. In a rear projection TV,
there are three tubes, each representing one of the primary
colors. This colors mix along with quality wiring and a good
screen, provide a very high resolution picture. Manufacturers
are starting to drop rear project televisions from their
product lines however. Research your manufacturer's warranty
before purchasing a rear projection television to make sure
that customer service and repairs will be available down the
line.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Television. An LCD TV can be found as both a rear
projection and as a flat screen. LCD rear projection TVs are
much more compact than their CRT cousins and use less power. I
have written about LCD televisions extensively in other
articles so I will forego further explanation here.
Plasma Screen Televisions.
In this technology, different gases are trapped between two
panes of glass and an electronic signal can modify them to
allow them to display a picture. These televisions are
produced with a sleek thin design and can produce excellent
resolution.
No matter which video display you are
leaning toward, make sure to measure the area you want to put
the TV so it fits when you bring it home. Also look into
whether the screen is able to handle high definition (HD)
television and DVDs.
Audio Elements
The sound system is going to make a huge difference in the
enjoyment and functionality of your home theater. A good audio
system includes the following elements:
Receiver. This component
takes the audio signal, and often the video signal, and
distributes it to the proper part of your system.
Amplifier. This
component is what increases the signal strength before it is
sent to the speakers. Often times, a purchased receiver will
have an amplifier already built into it, making an additional
piece of equipment unnecessary.
Surround Sound Speakers.
Standard speaker sets of five are typical for most home
theaters. There is a center channel, a right front, right
rear, left front and left rear. These different speakers, when
properly positioned, make the sound come from the appropriate
direction.
Data / Signal Source
A basic DVD player is a standard signal source in most theater
systems. The signal information sent from the player contains
the video data as well as your 5.1 surround sound. Your cable
box or digital satellite is also signal sources for a home
theater. These sources can all be used in one system with the
proper wiring and remote programming.
~Ben Anton, 2008
