2020 has been known for a lot of things, but perhaps primarily as the Year of Staying Home
Most of us have spent more time at home in the last several months than possibly the last several years combined. And while having everybody under the same roof took some getting used to, we adjusted, adapted, and stayed safe.
If we want 2021 to be different from 2020, safety still has to be a priority for everyone. And while things are opening back up in Florida, we all need to think twice about rushing back into our old routines, especially when they involve crowds. We know you’re probably very eager to do things you’re accustomed to, like catching a flick down at the local cineplex. Before you do that, we’ve got a question for you: Why not create your own?
Now, we’re not talking about building an actual theater in your backyard with stadium seating and a giant IMAX screen, though that sounds pretty cool. We’re talking about turning a room in your house – like the basement, for example – into a media room. A place that’s perfect for movies, binge-watching your favorite shows, and sporting events. And, putting this together may not be as difficult or as complicated as you think. Here are the things you’ll need to focus on.
Screen
Let’s start with the easy one. Figuring out what size TV (or maybe projection screen) to get will depend on the room’s size. The bigger the room, the bigger you can go.
Of course, you don’t want to go too big, as this risks eyestrain, a wrenched neck, and seeing the giant pores of aging actors (in HD, that’s scarier than any horror movie). Check out this guide for picking the right TV.
Connections
A TV by itself won’t do you much good; you also need to make sure you’re connected to all your stuff. This could include your cable/satellite dish setup, DVD/Blu Ray player, and the internet. Whatever you want to watch, it should be quickly and easily accessible. Plus, everything needs to be configured, so you’re not staring at a lot of ugly wires.
Sound
No matter what you like to watch, great sound makes for a great experience, especially with those action-adventure blockbuster films. This is why you need a premier audio system that consists of excellent speakers spread out around the room. Putting up some sound-absorbing wall hangings and area rugs is also a good idea, as this will help keep the sound contained.
Lighting
Think about your where you watch TV or movies right now. Your lighting choice is probably on or off, right? For optimal viewing, you need more than that. This is why a dimmer switch can come in very handy, as it lets you set the mood for whatever you’re watching. Or, better yet, you can have a smart lighting system installed so you can control it with a phone or other device.
Maybe-haves
While those four things will give you a pretty fantastic media room, there are some others you may want to consider to make things even better. For an experience as close to a real theater as possible, think about bringing in some authentic seats, complete with drink holders and a reclining feature. And what about snacks? If popcorn is essential on movie nights, forget the microwave; pick up a popcorn machine instead. Also, if you have some Hollywood-ish pictures or posters – or maybe some sports memorabilia – hang it up in there.
Because setting up a media room involves a lot of technical know-how, it may not be in your best interest to DIY it. This is where Universal Electrical comes in. No matter your electrical needs, you can count on our expertise to make sure you get what you need. Get in touch to discuss your project.
