Room Lighting
Living rooms are often situated near the front of the house and have a number of windows. So, lighting and light control are critical in your planning.
Technology in the projector allows you to adapt to light outside and from other rooms, so you have choices when deciding how much of the living room will be altered. If you decide that light control is important to improve the quality of the projectors picture, it is best to mount heavy shutters or motorized draperies over the windows and install a lighting control system. Even if the screen is placed on a relatively dark side of the room, outside light control can improve picture immensely.
A control system also allows you to move back and forth between movie room and living room quickly and easily. It is possible to have a single button control system installed to change light intensity in your living room. Yet even if they aren't automated, dimmable lights are a good idea for any room with a home theater.
Sound
Although a state-of-the-art sound system may not be a priority for your living room, it is still important.
Space and decor is an issue in the living room, so smaller, "satellite" speaker systems may be the best option. With these systems the small front and center speakers can be kept out of the way. For instance, they can be mounted on the wall and a larger subwoofer, if you have it, can be placed in a corner keeping it out of the way and less visible, or even hidden in a cabinet. The combination of satellite speakers and a subwoofer provide powerful bass, precise sound imaging and are very effective for movie watching. Your new living room theater may be the better for it. Consider, though, the space needed for them and the consequent changes in the décor.
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Last, to optimize sound, pay attention to room acoustics. A room's walls, ceiling and floor have a distinct surface and play a large part in a sound quality. For instance, hard surfaces like glass, hardwood, or stone can muffle sound while uneven surfaces like carpeting, drapery and other furnishings can help improve it.
Furniture
After you decide on the equipment, it is time to consider the furniture arrangement. This will depend on your new screen, projector, and speakers.
The furniture arrangement may be slightly restrictive. The room itself isn't very versatile and you may want to maintain much of its existing atmosphere. With your space needs, surround sound desires, and general construction, the new design may depend on how much of the room you are willing to change. Remember it is still the most formal room in the house, installing the home theater system means more traffic, more gatherings, and more spills too.
In the end, your living room is being revitalized, having much to do with the new systems and electronics. This once rarely visited room will become a new favorite for the family. If you decide to install the theater here, arrange the furniture with that in mind.
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