"Home theater" is really just a good television and other video components matched with an external sound system. However, an old stereo hooked up to a TV is worlds away from a deluxe "surround sound" stereo system matched to your video components.
Instructions
1. Set aside space in your home for your surround sound home theater. This should include space for a large (generally, at least 27-inch) television set, two large stand-up speakers, two smaller surround speakers, and any other components you may want to include.
2. Decide on the video components of your home theater system. For basic television viewing, you'll want a roof antenna or cable. If you watch a lot of videos, include a hi-fi stereo VCR. For optimal picture and sound quality, choose a laserdisc or a digital video disc (DVD) player.
3. Select a surround-sound receiver. For basic surround sound, purchase a receiver equipped with a four-channel Dolby Pro Logic decoder. For more advanced and realistic surround sound effects, purchase a receiver equipped with a five-channel Dolby Digital decoder.
4. Purchase surround sound speakers. You'll need at least five speakers to fully experience surround sound: two large front speakers, a smaller central channel speaker and two small rear or side surround speakers.
5. Position your television set where it can be easily viewed. Consider placement carefully: you'll place other components according to the TV's placement.
6. Connect and place your video peripherals: VCR, laserdisc player, DVD player, and so on.
7. Position the surround sound receiver near the television so you can easily adjust audio quality.
8. See the Related eHow "Set Up Surround Sound Speakers" to learn place the speakers for optimal sound quality.
Tags: surround sound, video components, equipped with, other components, purchase receiver
