The issue of how to set up a home theater can be viewed in two ways; if you are experienced with electronics and know the ins and outs of where everything goes then you should be good to go but this article is for the majority of people who are either totally inexperienced or have some knowledge.

Believe me, doing some planning before installing will save you a lot of frustration later on. The easiest way out is to hire someone to do it but if you're on a tight budget, then this may not be an option. To get around this, talk to a professional installer and and ask them for some basic instructions.

There are home theater consultants who can plan your installation for a fee and again, this is a preferred option because of the problems which can present themselves later on.

Planning The Installation

Let's take a look at several factors which can either enhance or ruin your home entertainment experience. These are not in any particular order but all important in the final outcome.

1. Plan you entire layout on paper. This includes cabling and always allow for extra cables.

2. Highlight where you want your equipment to go. Where will you place the TV? Can it be mounted or will it sit on a cabinet or stand and will the layout of the room enable or accommodate the TV and sound system? You will also need to allow room for extra components which may be added later on. This is one of the major factors and many don't take future additions into consideration.

3. How much power do you have coming in? Will it be able to support your system? If you are unsure then ask an electrician to come in and check it. When asking how to set up a home theater power is often overlooked but it should be one of the first things to be considered.

4. Heating can be a problem. Many systems can generate a lot of heat and you need to clarify this with an expert. It is always a good idea to install a cooling system which may simply be just a small fan connected to an air vent.

5. TV viewing distance is vital. Take into account the size of your room in comparison to the television. If you are buying a large screen TV then be sure you can position your seating far enough away to enjoy the experience. A general rule of thumb is to take the width of the screen into account and it needs to be at least 2-5 to 3-5 times that distance from the TV.

6. Take into consideration factors such as phone and high speed computer connections especially if you intend using your system for gaming such as play station. Just make sure the connections are close by.

7. Consider your cabling length. Buying short cables is a trap for new players as it restricts the flexibility of your system.