Selecting your home theater

A lot of people have an interest in setting up a home theater system to compliment their TV/Projector, but how you accomplish that goal tends to vary. For me, it’s all about taking the room into consideration. In some spaces a soundbar simply won’t do the trick. In others, running wire to accommodate rear channels isn’t an option. Because of outside influences it can be difficult to decide how to reinforce the sound for your home theater.

So, I have compiled three distinctly different builds that will work with virtually any space.

The wireless option:

• Bluesound Pulse Soundbar
• Bluesound Pulse Sub
• *Future surround sound connectivity with Bluesound Pulse & Pulse Flex*

For people who rent, or just don’t want to run cabling through the walls. This option allows a simplistic approach that doesn’t even require a A/V receiver. The Soundbar is connected to the TV with a single optical Tos-Link cable. All other video inputs run straight to the TV. The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar can decode Dolby digital sound, and comes with both a table top stand and wall mount. It is paired with the Bluesound Pulse Sub.  This particular soundbar and subwoofer have a wired or wireless connection. Eventually, Bluesound plans to also support satellite rear channel speakers with their Pulse and Pulse Flex powered speakers. Each satellite will only require a wall outlet for power, and can connect to your home network wired or wirelessly. Some people who enjoy a more traditional A/V system in their great room or den, choose this fantastic option for their bedroom. Simple, easy to set up, and versatile.

The traditional option:

• NAD T758 A/V Receiver
• Paradigm Monitor 9 Speakers (pair)
• Paradigm Mini Monitor Speakers (pair)
• Paradigm Monitor Center 3 Speaker
• Paradigm SE Subwoofer

For a larger, more dedicated home theater room. Cabling is ran through the walls, and rear-channel speakers are mounted to the back wall or sit atop speaker stands. The center channel speaker can be table top or wall mounted to accommodate the TV. All of the Video sources run HDMI to the A/V receiver, and one HDMI connects the A/V receiver to the TV/projector. For longer HDMI runs to a video projector, an HDMI balun may be necessary. Again, a single optical Tos-Link cable takes all audio out of the TV to the A/V receiver. The subwoofer is generally located somewhere in the front, and connects with an appropriate  digital coaxial cable. This is the most common build, and offers great functionality. This NAD A/V receiver can decode most audio formats, and allow for audio sources to be connected as well. This build is equal parts music and TV/movie entertainment system. We offer a lot of other components that can achieve this type of system design, and can mix and match them to supply a variety of functionality.

The custom install Dobly Atmos option:

• Anthem MRX-1120
• Paradigm P80 in-wall speakers (pair)
• Paradigm H65 in-wall speakers (pair)
• Paradigm P65 in wall speaker
• Paradigm H80-R in-ceiling speakers (2 pair)
• Paradigm DSP 3200 subwoofer

For an entirely in-wall/in-ceiling speaker configuration that supports Dolby Atmos signal processing. Cabling is ran through the walls for front, rear, center, and height speakers. The center channel in-wall speaker is mounted under the TV or projector screen. (In this build the TV/projector screen needs to be wall mounted) All of the video sources are connected to the A/V receiver with an HDMI cable, and one HDMI cable connects the A/V receiver to the TV/projector. Again, an HDMI balun is sometimes necessary to connect projectors on longer cable runs. A single optical Tos-Link cable is ran from the TV to the A/V receiver. The subwoofer is located in the front or sides, and is connected with a digital coaxial cable. Four Atmos speakers are located in the ceiling, two in the front & two in the rear. These Atmos speakers provide true, three dimensional surround sound, and are necessary for Dolby Atmos playback. Once again, audio sources can be connected to the A/V receiver for audio only listening. All speakers in this system are custom installed in the wall and ceiling, creating a sleek yet very functional soundstage. If you really want the best available surround sound system, look no further. Again, we can mix and match components in this build to achieve different quality and functionality. Some people prefer more traditional cabinet speakers in the front and rear, which can easily be utilized.

Whether you want the coolest dedicated home theater on the block, or are just wanting to reinforce the TV’s sound quality in a bedroom, we can help you achieve what your looking for. Our store has over forty years of experience, as well as highly trained designers and installers ready to help you get where you need to be.

Come in to our showroom in Metairie, LA today, and talk to our team about what you want to get out of your home theater!