3. Separates
Investing in ‘separates’ – buying your speakers, amplifier and DVD player separately - usually ensures better surround sound. It tends to be more expensive but suits the music aficionados best.
4. All-in-one
For dedicated movie marathons, ‘all-in-one’ kits comprising all your necessary equipment may be better. The
HTS8100 home theatre kit (£599, Littlewoods Direct) comes recommended. Kits are more energy efficient as they use about 40 watts, compared to 150 watts for a typical separates system.
5. Acoustics
For the ultimate in acoustics, you can’t beat a Dolby Digital Surround Sound system. It has a six speaker system (known as 5:1) which should be arranged strategically. Place the front speakers one metre to the left and right of the TV, facing the viewer, ideally at ear level. The centre speaker belongs below the screen, as close to it as possible.
The subwoofer (the device which produces low frequency sounds) should be on the wall in the middle of the front. Put the two rear speakers behind the sofa at opposite corners of the room to give the surround sound effect.
6. Lights out
Go full throttle on luxury with floor to ceiling curtains to create a black out. Seek out old cinema seating from salvage yards such as Salvo!.
7. Colours
Soft, subdued walls in understated taupe ensure the screen stays centre stage, and also keeps the room restful between screenings.
8. Size is everything
Frankly, my dear, it comes down to this. When choosing your plasma TV, be aware you’ll need to sit about eight feet away (or six times your height of vision). Look for the ‘viewing ratios’ – 16:9 (widescreen), 4:3 (traditional) or a zoom option (this feature magnifies the image if it doesn’t completely fill the screen). As a rough guide, when considering seating and flatscreen position, be sure you can sit at least four metres from a 42” screen. If your room enables to you sit 3.5 – 4 metres away, opt for a screen between 36 and 42 inches. Any closer, or in snugger spaces, a 26 inch screen should suffice.
9. Extra treats
How about a bar for the back of the room? Invest in moody low-floor lighting and a mini fridge. Add a few low tables and you needn’t move all evening…. And how about a bar trolley?
10. Party on
Send out your invites, pop the corn, kick off you shoes and enjoy.
You don't still have a bulky TV, do you? Go slimline and read our guide to buying a flatscreen TV. Are gadgets your thing? Wire up with the latest green gadgets that won't cost the earth.
