Installing the home theater system scares some people to death with just the thought of it. But we need to remember the best system in the world is only half as good as the set-up. Once we open the box, we are in it for the count - installation that we are preparing to do can provide us with the highest quality results, but only if it is done right. But, can we do the work ourself? Some "real good" projects have been done when a floor plan is drawn-out on grid paper, with small pieces of paper representing each piece of furniture. It works better than putting our back out because of moving the whole system across the floor half a dozen times.



There are many questions to think about when preparing to install our home theater. Will we be installing just a new high definition television and surround sound? Or, will you be installing an actual working theater with projectors, receivers, and screens? If desperate, home installation services are available to those that cannot do the work themselves, no matter what type it is. Myself, I would either consider this or bring a knowledgeable family member or friend over who makes it look easy and can put it all together in half the time.

If we have decided to be brave and put it together without any assistance, maybe purchasing a system already set-up would be a good idea. Installation of the home theater is extremely difficult and confusing when it comes to attaching and running the wires and cables of the speakers, television, DVDs, etc throughout the house. The home theater that is wireless can cut down on this if it within the budget. And don't forget by adding projectors, wide wall mounted televisions, and extra speakers make it even more difficult. Most people give up, needing to have a professional come in and install the system accurately. This will keep the installation process quite simple on your end (and you can be sure it is done correctly).

Installation of a home theater can be difficult if you do not have the right skills or tools once the physical installation is done and out of the way. What if it doesn't work or nothing is working correctly? Not everyone wants to be bothered with handling these problems or has the knowledge, after spending all day putting the system together. Purchasing a calibration DVD for about $40 is one way to professionally optimize the new system, by providing standardized, industrial test signals that will help us set the TV and receiver for their best quality output. The advantage of the DVD is the calibration can be redone on a regular basis, as the settings have been know to drift. The recalibrations can be done every six months, such as in the spring and fall, as changes in temperature can alter the settings.