The Block Contestants Sheds Are Finally Built!
Posted on: October 23, 2022
Key message: Creating sheds that anyone wold be proud to have on their block.
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While some see no problem with enjoying the big screen experience solo, others are adamant that the cinema is a place strictly reserved for couples or groups. Fortunately, with the increasing popularity of home theatre systems, you can now put the issue to rest and go to the movies without ever leaving your living room.
A personal cinema is usually a sizeable investment, so it pays to plan carefully before even thinking about which electrical supplies you'll need. Here are some tips on decking out your dream home theatre.
A picture's worth a thousand words
It goes without saying that the visuals are the central focus of the cinematic experience, so it's a sensible idea to shop around for a decent screen.
With so many options on the market today, from 3D TVs to those with "smart" connectivity, internet access and curved displays, your choices are limitless. Have a think about your budget and your specific needs and circumstances to decide on what to go for.
For example, if the room in which you'll base your theatre is a bit more on the compact side, there's no need to splash out on a massive screen - this will only likely to give you a headache! A medium-sized but high-definition screen should give you a good experience while not hurting your eyeballs.
A standard TV without all the bells and whistles should suffice (and be easier on your wallet) if you're not a heavy media consumer and only plan to visit your theatre a couple of times a week. However, for serial moviegoers or those who want the latest technological trimmings, consider getting a smart TV with extra functionality.
Sound check
Investing in the flashiest HDTV available today will mean little if your sound system is stuck in the early 2000s. For many, the auditory element of movie-watching is just as important as what they see on the screen, if not more so.
For the best cinematic experience, you'll want to go all-out and install a full surround sound system, which includes, as a minimum, five or six speakers, a subwoofer and an optional sound bar. Once again, the size of your overall theatre setup will dictate how many speakers you'll need, and where you should place them for the best results.
You'll also want to consider the acoustics of the room, as even the material the walls and floor are made of can impact sound quality - the sound you hear can differ depending on what type of carpet the room features. Try to make the walls as clutter-free as possible to avoid it influencing the travel of sound waves throughout the theatre.
Have a seat
Your home theatre won't feature row upon row of popcorn-strewn seats, but it's still important to configure where and how you'll want the audience to sit.
The tricky thing here is that the living areas of most homes aren't exactly set up like a cinema - after all, it'd be hard to converse with dinner guests if you're sitting in rows. Aim for a compromise that caters to both needs, for example by getting furniture that is easily moved around or manoeuvred.