Home theaters are also known as media rooms, entertainment centers, or even playrooms. Whatever you want to call them, they all contain the basic ingredients that work together to create the home theater experience.

Source components:

The gear that provides the basic content to be processed by the rest of the system. The choices for content can include broadcast, satellite, and cable TV, DVD, VHS, gaming consoles, and computers, including internet. All of these sources offer even more choices. Example: Any of the TV sources offer movie channels, news, drama, sports, and science/information channels.

High Quality Audio:

Home theater audio, when done correctly, easily surpasses the audio experience of a commercial movie theater. Surround sound audio tracks are now the standard on DVD's, TV, and even video games. The audio signal from the source components is decoded and processed by a home theater receiver or a preamp/processor/amplifier combo, and then amplified and sent to the speakers. The most basic surround system is called a 5.1 channel system and contains a left, right, and center channel up front, and a surround channel on each side of the room towards the rear. The .1 channel contains the low frequency, or bass signals that give the visceral and dramatic impact to movies and music. The low frequency speaker or speakers, called subwoofers, are a critical element in creating a true home theater environment. Beautifully crafted floor standing speakers can become a handsome compliment to existing furnishings, or in-wall speakers can be cleverly installed to virtually disappear.

High Quality Video:

A big, bright, clear picture is essential for total involvement. The choices for video are many, and include rear projection TV's, plasma, projectors, DLP, etc., etc. All of these have advantages and disadvantages and a price to benefit ratio. The good news is that there are enough choices to offer the right solution for any situation or budget. Also, many of these, such as retractable screens and projectors, can be unobtrusively hidden away when not in use, allowing an everyday living space to become a theater at the push of a button.

Acoustics:

Often overlooked but important to a quality theater experience. A new theater can include acoustic design or an existing area can be slightly modified to optimize the interaction of the room with the audio/video.

Lighting:

Lighting control in a theater is essential. Too much ambient light can wash out the color and sharpness of the picture. Dimmers and remotes can help create any type of mood. Dimly lighted walkways and exits help with mobility and safety.

Colors and design:

Theaters can designed to be comfortable, warm, and relaxing, or with fun, imaginative themes. Colors and tones are chosen while mindful of the performance of the theater. Example: Reflections from a too bright ceiling tone can wash out the picture.

Accessories and design elements:

All of the design elements in a theater work together. The seating should be comfortable yet leave enough space for movement. Parties and entertaining can be enhanced with a wet bar, a small refrigerator, a wine cooler, or even a popcorn machine. A good design balances the needs and intentions of the owners, the overall aesthetics, and the level of performance.