However, some luxuries can be installed, and then if you move, they can move with you. This is the case with your own home theater and that is a real luxury touch in any home.



Prices of these have been dropping, and this may be one reason why home entertainment centers are becoming more popular. A harsh winter climate is another and an avid sports fan in the family is a third!

You would need a large rec room if you plan to incorporate a home theater, especially if you also want the rec room to be used for other purposes. If your rec room is large enough the home theater can be installed behind folding closet doors in one end of the rec room.

Otherwise, if you have a rec room and one other room, you could have a completely separate home theater. Remember, you don't need a room with a window for a home theater. Finally, you can install a home theater into a normal sized rec room, it may not be the first choice, but it could work. Let's look at the basic requirements.

A home theater will mean that in one room you will have a giant screen and two or four large speakers. Ideally you will also have to think about shelving for DVDs and extra seating.

Keeping your home theater separate from your rec room area can be done by use of cleverly designed cabinets. For some systems the cabinets would have to be very big.

This may require screening off one end of the room with large door fronts that appear to be room dividers. Another way would be to build a large closet-effect cabinet. Finally, you can actually buy movable room dividers or drapes to 'shut off' the home theater area when not in use.

Closing the area off will reduce clutter when the large screen is not in use. However, sufficient room must be allowed so that the air can circulate around the equipment when not in use.

Several factors must be taken into account when choosing a system. In a rental home you will not want to have built in speakers, so free standing ones will be your obvious choice. Along with this comes choosing the speaker size and the location of them; you may also want to consider heavy duty wiring.

In estimating the size of the screen, remember that too big is as bad as too small. Calculate how far you will be sitting from the screen and take the manufacturer's advice. If you are too close to a large screen you will always see certain distortions that are missed at a distance further away. You will probably only chose a wall mounted swivel for your screen if you plan to stay in your house a long time.

To feel really professional you could buy light-proof drapes. Also, remote control lighting is great, so that the whole audience - including you - can be seated as the lights go down!

Finally you will have to think about decor, shelving for all your DVDs, some sort of end table/coffee table placement and of course lots of seats. The norm is for two large sofas on each side wall and three or four armchairs, at the end of the room. This will allow for ten people.

As you plan to keep this investment for yourself, choose home theater equipment that is easy to dismantle and can therefore be moved into your next home. As the next home is an unknown factor, you will need to ensure that the technology is adaptable. You will also be well advised not to buy your equipment too big, as it is easier to bring chairs and sofas closer to the screen, but not so easy to move them away!