General

What Is Needed For A Home Theater System?

Home Theater Installation Services

Are you considering converting a room in your home into a state-of-the-art home theater? Home theaters are enjoying increasing popularity because they give you and your family the feeling of going to the movies without leaving your house. 

If you are thinking about investing in a home theater, you likely want to get the biggest screen possible. It is important to pick a size that is large but not overwhelming for the size of your space. For example, think of walking into an IMAX theater. Although the size of the screen feels daunting, it is not too overwhelming because of the size of the room. Therefore deciding what size projector screen you need for your home theater depends on the size of the room you’re putting it in.

Home Theater Screen Size Options

In addition, the size of your screen could also be limited by the type of projector you use and where it is placed. If it’s mounted in a specific place, your screen size will be determined by the projector’s zoom range. A short throw projector can make a larger screen in a smaller space, usually encompassing a distance of 3 to 8 feet. A long throw projector can throw an image across rooms as large as conference rooms or university lecture halls. To determine the right distance between projector and screen, you can use the 2:1 ratio. For every foot of image width, your projector should be 2 feet away from the screen. If you have a screen that’s 100 inches wide, that’s 8.3 feet. 8.3 multiplied by 2 is 16.67 feet, which means your projector should be about 17 feet away from the screen.

Home Theater Screen Options

Finally, you need to decide what type of screen you want for your home theater. You may have heard of the term aspect ratio, also known as format, which is the ratio of width to height of a rectangle. Before flat-screen TVs, the movies you saw on your TV were formatted from the aspect ratio it had when it ran in theaters into an aspect ratio that fit the screen on your television. Virtually all flat-screen smart TVs today come with a 16:9 widescreen ratio. Movies are most commonly presented in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, though about 20% are presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. If movies are the primary content you’ll be watching in your home theater, you should go with a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. If you’re interested in hosting sports watch parties, a 16:9 ratio is probably a better fit.

Home Theater Audio Options

We recommend beginning your home theater audio system with a 5.1 channel system to give you a full-surround experience — 5 being the number of speakers and 1 being the number of subwoofers. The two most popular speaker systems are Dolby Digital, the most commonly used speaker in movie theaters, and DTS, which is considered to be marginally above Dolby Digital in terms of sounding more realistic. For an even better audio experience, consider Dolby Atmos, which creates 3D sound by pushing specific audio to specific speakers. If you decide to upgrade in the future, consider a 6.1, 7.1, 7.2, or 9.1, for an even better experience. These numbers indicate the ratio of speakers to subwoofers found in the speaker system. 

Home Theater Seating Arrangement Options 

Finally, you need to think about how many seats can fit in the room and remember there should be a good space between the screen and the first row of seats. The proper space between the first row of seats and the screen should be twice the height of the screen to avoid discomfort. At five or six times the screen height, the screen might start to feel too small, making the ideal distance between the best seat and the screen somewhere in the middle.

Setting up a home movie theater can be a complex endeavor, and if you don’t have experience, there’s a lot of guesswork involved. You can eliminate that guesswork by partnering with

Aaron’s Home Tech. Give us a call today, and we’ll help you create the perfect home theater experience. We’ll measure the dimensions of your theater and help you determine the best seating so you and your family can relax and enjoy the show.

Back Next

Recent Blogs

What is a Home Automation System?

Welcome to the Future: Understanding the Power of Home Automation Systems In today’s fast-paced world, technology has taken center stage in our lives, simplifying tasks and enhancing our overall living experience. One such technological marvel that has gained immense popularity is the Home Automation System. If you’re wondering what the buzz is all about, you’re […]
Mar 1st, 2024 | by Charles Vail

What is Smart Lighting?

Illuminate Your Life With Smart Lighting In the ever-advancing world of home automation, smart lighting has emerged as a shining star, transforming the way we experience and interact with our living spaces. At Aaron’s Home Tech, we believe that the right lighting can elevate your home’s ambience, energy efficiency, and security. Let’s delve into the […]
Feb 1st, 2024 | by Brandon Dial

Benefits of a Smart Home Security System

Safeguarding Your Sanctuary In an era where tranquility meets technology, smart home security systems have emerged as the guardians of modern living. At Aaron’s Home Tech, we recognize the importance of securing your home, and our smart security solutions provide you with unparalleled peace of mind. Let’s delve into the many benefits of embracing a […]
Jan 1st, 2024 | by Charles Vail

Aaron's Dream Home: Christmas Wish List

As the holiday season approaches, it’s an ideal time for dreaming and planning. At Aaron’s Home Tech, we imagine some exciting home upgrades could transform your living space into a hub of high-tech comfort and festive cheer. With our expertise in home automation systems in Atlanta, we’ve put together three top choices for your Christmas […]
Dec 1st, 2023 | by Brandon Dial

Is Your Home Ready for the Holidays?

As we near the holiday season, you’re likely looking forward to opening your home to loved ones. A safe, comfortable, and tech-friendly environment is crucial to ensuring a memorable, festive season. If you live in Atlanta or Greensboro, this may be the perfect time to consider a few tech upgrades. Here are three key areas […]
Nov 1st, 2023 | by Charles Vail

Common Home Security Mistakes

Protecting your home is a top priority for homeowners in any location. As one of the leading home security systems companies in Greensboro, Aaron’s Home Tech regularly encounters common security mistakes homeowners often make. Let’s review three of these frequent errors and how to avoid them: The first mistake is neglecting to secure all entry […]
Oct 2nd, 2023 | by Brandon Dial
Patio Speaker Setup

Elevate Your Outdoor Living with Aaron’s Home Tech

As the leaves start to change and the air gets a bit cooler, it’s time to start thinking about how you can update your backyard technology to make the most of the fall season. Aaron’s Home Tech is here to help with their top-notch smart home automation systems, which include features such as lighting, television, […]
Sep 1st, 2023 | by Charles Vail
Football Season - Upgrade Home Theater System

Get Ready for Football Season with Upgrades from Aaron's Home Tech

Football season is right around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about how you can upgrade your home entertainment system to make the most of this exciting time. Aaron’s Home Tech is here to help with their pre-season product upgrades that will take your home sound system installation, home theater installation, and Smart […]
Aug 1st, 2023 | by Brandon Dial
Home Theater System Setup For Football Season

Are You Ready for Football Season? Aaron’s Home Tech Can Help

Are you a football fan looking to take your viewing experience to the next level? Whether you’re hosting game day parties or just want to enjoy the games in style, Aaron’s Home Tech can help you make it happen. With decades of combined experience in home sound system installation, home theater installation, home audio installation, […]
Jul 3rd, 2023 | by Charles Vail
Self Install Home Security Cameras

Why Self-Installed Security Systems Aren’t Worth It

We live in a world full of threats and risks. Thieves steal packages right off of front porches, burglars break-in night and day, and every new homebuyer worries “is this a good neighborhood?” Luckily, home security systems are also widely available, with various companies offering installation services, or Do-It-Yourself kits. Many people feel safer and […]
Jun 1st, 2023 | by Brandon Dial
High Quality Outdoor Security Cameras

High-Quality Home Security Camera Options

When it comes to protecting your home with a high-quality security system, cameras are one of the first and most important lines of defense. They can record footage of unsafe or suspicious activity, alert you when motion is detected, and can even contain two-way intercom systems that allow you to hear what’s going on and […]
May 1st, 2023 | by Charles Vail
Outdoor Audio System

Outdoor Audio Options For Your Backyard

Music can add almost any vibe to a space, transforming your backyard into a summer resort full of good feelings or a relaxing oasis floating in the pool. From the grill to the bar, the snack table to umbrella-covered lounge chairs, music really sets the mood all season. Investing in a good audio system is […]
Apr 3rd, 2023 | by Brandon Dial