Setting up the home theater
Joan Hadac GateHouse News Service

The aroma of popcorn fills the air as you slide into a plush seat centered right in front of the screen. As the lights dim, the previews begin to roll and you snuggle up to your date for movie night.

Only this theater is missing a few things: Reminders to silence cell phones, recommendations to remove crying babies and, best of all, the sticky film covering the floor that prevents you from slipping off your shoes and getting really comfy.

And with the theater located right in your own home, you can watch any film any time you want.

But getting this set up isn't just about popping a big television into a room with a couch. This takes planning and some serious technology.

The first thing a customer should consider when installing a home theater is an initial consultation from the experts. They have a one-sizedoes not-fit-all checklist for customer use.

Some items on the checklist:

• What is the size of the room?

• What kind of lighting will play a factor in the room?

• What will be shown in the home theater?

• How does the customer currently receive programming?

• What pieces of equipment does the customer currently own?

These questions and others, and the budget, will help determine the kind of home theater that will end up in an owner's home.