Home theatre is a good option to enjoy movies and other visual media comfortably with family and friends. It provides a much better auditory experience than ordinary stereo systems. In a home theatre, even the minutest sounds can be cherished. Here are some tips on buying a home theatre.

Channel

The most crucial element of a home theatre is the channel. Various channels are available in the market. For example, 2.1, 5.1, 7.1 etc. The first numeral indicates the number of speakers and '1,' the sub-woofer. The sub-woofer plays a major role in giving a pleasant hearing experience. It is meant to make powerful sounds of low frequency audible. For instance, while playing jazz, blues, and classical music, most speakers will be unable to reproduce sounds of low bass. The sub-woofer is for this purpose.

A 5.1 home theatre comprises two front speakers, two surround speakers, a centre speaker and a low frequency effect (LFE or sub-woofer). In other words, six channels.

Among the normal home theatre systems, the ideal is 5.1.

PMPA, RMS

These denote the sound output. RMS is root mean square and PMPO, peak music power output. Firms selling speakers stress on PMPO, which is the maximum power output of the speaker. However, sounds of such high power cannot be heard for much time or enjoyed. So, much importance need not be attached to it.

DVD ports

Check the connectivity options available in a DVD player before buying it. Some DVDs will have the facility to connect the USB alone. Others will have the slot to insert memory cards, connect mobile phones and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Speakers

Various types of speakers are available in the market, including centre channel, tower etc. But go for them only based on the size of the TV and sub-woofer. A big speaker will not match with a small sub-woofer and fail to produce the desired sound effect. For a small size TV, tower speakers are not needed.

Cost

Home theatres costing Rs 2,000 to Rs 2 lakh are available. Choose one according to the size of the room and your preferences.

Points to note

The centre speaker can be placed above or below the TV. Each front speaker can be positioned on each side of the TV. Experts suggest keeping the front speakers 6 to 12 feet apart.

The surround speakers may be placed slightly above the level of the ears, on the sides of the viewers.

The distance between the surround speakers have to be more than that between the front speakers.

The sub-woofer can be placed conveniently near the TV or DVD. Its position does not matter much as the sound would reach all areas of the room.

Care needs to be taken about the shape of the room where the home theatre is to be set. Square shaped rooms are best avoided. To prevent echo, carpets, curtain and drape can be arranged in the room.

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