A video projector takes your home theater to the next level. With a large screen, high quality projection device, warm tones and dark fixtures you can create an unforgettable experience. Make your home movie night as immersive as an evening at the theater with the right equipment and proper installation.
Set Up Your Screen
Setting up a quality home theater system with a video projector is all about getting the sharpest image possible. This starts with a good screen. For home video projectors, the best option is a matte white screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
For the best viewing experience, make the distance between the seats and the screen twice the height of the screen. If your screen is 56” tall, position the seating at least 112” away from the screen. Measure the size of your theater room carefully to find the proper screen size. A screen that’s too large will overpower the room and make for uncomfortable viewing.
Choose the Wall Tones
When choosing the paint color for the walls of the home theater, its best to choose warm colors to boost the performance of the projector. The walls should be simple without any accents or designs to avoid distractions. A flat paint in the color of black, brown or grey will give off the best appeal.
If you wish to have an accent wall, a dark burgundy color will create a pleasant ambiance with the correct shade of window treatments. For the best movie theater feel, line the curtains with a blackout shade to eliminate all lighting from outside when it is time to watch the screen.
Choose the Best Projector
You need to know the size of your room and the size of your projector screen to find the best projector for your home system. The size of your screen and throw ratio of your projector will determine where the projector should sit in relation to the screen. Multiply the screen width by the projector’s throw ratio to decide how far the projector will sit from the screen.
For example, if you have a 7-foot screen and a projector with a 2.0 – 2.4:1 ratio, your projector should sit 14 to 16.8 feet from the screen. A 720p resolution projector is adequate for most screens under 120”. If your screen is 120” or larger, a 1080p projector is the better option.
Connect and Enjoy
Connect your projector to your chosen receivers using an HDMI cable. You have many options for receivers including a cable box, DVD player, or Blu-ray player. If you have an internet-ready device, you can use U-Verse dsl to stream video through a subscription service like Netflix. A separate speaker system is usually required as well. Even if your projector does come with speakers, these offer poor quality in comparison to the stunning images.
Depending on your speaker, receiver, and projector placement, you may want to run these wires through the ceiling or walls to hide them. You can also affix these wires to the ceiling and walls with discreet tubing that makes them less noticeable.
The right projection system will bring your favorite films to life in a new, vivid way. Take your time choosing the best features and place them carefully for the best home theater experience.