Even with the cost of theater tickets going up and a large popcorn costing as much as lunch at a decent restaurant, I would still, fork over my hard earned money. Why? Because some movies I just wanted to experience in a movie house. I could not imagine the latest superhero action blockbuster on my meager home screen. I wanted the big screen experience.



A few months ago, I decided to realize a dream and build a home theater. I had been planning this for years, and quietly stashing away money while continuing to improve my home theater plans. Finally the day had come, and now you will never see me in a theater again. A movie house cannot compare to a good home theater system; from personal experience - here's why;

1. Picture Quality - sure some theaters have begun to upgrade to digital, but they still cannot keep up with the advances in the home consumer market. As of this writing the typical resolution of a high definition television is 1080 pixels using a progressive scan. Newer sets use 120hz and 24fps creating and even smoother, crisp picture during fast pans and fast action scenes. Using a top quality plasma television of 1080p projector, your home theater will beat a movie house picture hands down.

2. Customization - Movie theater normally adhere to industry standards in setting contrast, brightness, color balance, sharpness, etc. This standard set to what accurately represent to a wide audience what the filmmaker had envisioned. This may or may not be your taste. If not, it's your home theater, you are free to adjust the picture to what is perfect for you.

3. Environment control - Too cold? turn the thermostat up, or get a blanket. Never again miss a critical part of the movie because you had to use the bathroom or refill you popcorn. You have a lovely little pause button. You control the volume, when the movie starts, you can even go back if you missed some important dialogue.

4. A good sound system, such as the one I purchased is in an entirely other league than a movie house. The surround effects are amazing, and the clarity of shattering glass will make you flinch. Car crashes and explosions will shake your seat and literally pound your chest. You don't just hear the movie you feel it. If a crystal clear display allows you to feel like you are looking through a window into the film makers creation, a good sound system will make you feel like you are actually in the movie.

5. Comfort - I have seven leather recliners with built-in cupholders. Try finding that in a theater. The carpet is free of sticky soda residue and candy.

6. Sharing - It's great to share this experience with friends and to enjoy a good movie with close friends.

7. Sports - You can also enjoy all the above while watching the NBA playoffs and or watching the Superbowl.

For my home theater I opted for a 1080p projector with a 110" screen (that's 9.2 feet) and a 7.1 speaker system with two 10" 300 watt subwoofers. A 7.1 system means I have a center speaker for dialogue, two front speakers, two surround speakers and two rear speakers. Since I have two subwoofers I guess you could call it a 7.2 system.

While spending years planning out my system and countless hours testing out components and displays I have amassed a good deal of expertise in home theaters.