Home Theaters Gaining Popularity

NEW YORK – Dedicated home theaters and the more diverse "media rooms" still command their share of real estate in homes.

A report from the Business Research Company estimates that the home theater market size will reach $66.16 billion by 2027, with a 19.5% growth rate between now and then.

Home theaters can fall into a wide range of categories. Some media room enthusiasts embark on retrofitting spaces on their own, making equipping the room a do-it-yourself endeavor. Others interested in a state-of-the-art setup may leave the work to a professional, especially if it involves construction or installation of large equipment.

Some things need to be kept in mind for those interested in putting in home theaters, especially if they want to create the ultimate home theater experience. Here is the gear to consider:

AV receiver

An AV receiver will process all the different input and output sources involved in a home theater setup. This includes Blu-ray, streaming devices, video games, screens and speakers. The AV receiver should have enough inputs to play several sources.

Screen

Depending on the space and size of the room, a home theater may feature a traditional large screen television or a projector and projector screen for a more cinematic feel.

According to U.S. News and World Report, some of the newest television technology comes by way of OLED, or organic light-emitting diode. OLED employs emissive technology that utilizes millions of pixels that emit their own light rather than relying on a separate backlight. Many people believe OLED displays are the best on the market today.

Surround sound

An immersive home theater audio experience requires surround sound. This includes a combination of floor standing speakers, subwoofer, single center speaker and possibly smaller side speakers to truly disperse sound around the room.

Those who have small home theater spaces that do not necessitate surround sound can opt for a soundbar. Some soundbars use advanced digital sound to trick the ears into thinking there are speakers all around them.

Plush seating

Reclining on individual seating is one of the perks of going to the movies. Increasingly homeowners are designing their home theaters to include cinema-style recliners. Look for options at furniture retailers that include large armrests with cupholders and spaces for snacks. Some even have small LED lights for increased comfort moving around dark rooms.

Homeowners with large home theater capabilities can offset seating and even place it on risers to simulate a traditional theater and improve the viewing experience.

Smart light fixtures

Utilize smart light bulbs in fixtures so that lights can be colored or dimmed appropriately depending on need in the media area, such as those from Philips Hue. Light strips can be run along the baseboards of the room to define the perimeter and give it that distinct movie theater feel.

Additional considerations for a home theater include a miniature vending machine, refrigerator, popcorn maker or small snack station for refreshments.

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