If you ask us, there’s never been a better time to build a private home theater. More movies are being released in 4K and Dolby Atmos, and new films like The Batman are ready to stream sooner than ever. 

But to create a luxurious home cinema, it takes more than plugging in speakers and hanging a projector. Home theater design is a craft that requires careful attention to detail. 

At Definitive Electronics, we offer home theater design and installation services to homes in Boca Raton, FL, and surrounding areas. If you’re tempted to DIY your private theater, look out for these five potential missteps. 

SEE ALSO: Where Can I Find 4K & Dolby Atmos Content for My Home Movie Theater?

Mistake 1: Not Installing Surround Sound 

Have you ever left the movie theater and felt like you were still in the movie? That happens because theaters are truly immersive, bringing you into the action and drama of a film. 

To experience that immersion at home, you’ll need a surround sound system. Some soundbars and TVs advertise ‘3D surround sound.’ But there’s no way to shortcut surrounding speakers and a subwoofer, and you can’t fake upward-firing speakers required for Dolby Atmos. A true surround sound system provides a truly immersive sound experience! 

Mistake 2: Hiding Speakers Inside a Cabinet 

Do you dislike the look of floor-standing speakers? If you’re tempted to conceal speakers inside a bookshelf, cabinet, or piece of furniture, beware: this will distort audio quality, muffling sound and creating echo. 

If you still want to hide speakers, we recommend opting for in-wall or in-ceiling audio instead! 

Mistake 3: Skipping Soundproofing & Acoustics 

Your family probably doesn’t want to listen to booming action scenes vibrating the entire house. And you won’t want to hear any exterior noises during the movie, either. 

Everyone can enjoy the home cinema in peace with soundproofing treatments that contain audio to the room. That way, even if the kids are sleeping upstairs, you can enjoy late-night movies without causing any disturbance. 

And to ensure your surround sound speakers sound their best, consider implementing acoustic panels in the theater. Acoustic treatments absorb excess sound waves, so you’ll reduce echoes and sound reflections that alter the sound experience. 

Mistake 4: Installing a Screen That’s Too Small or Large

New home theater owners are often most excited about the projector screen. But make sure you measure the room’s dimensions first and consider where seating will go. Ideally, you should have a 15-degree sightline angle when seated. 

If your theater screen is too large, movie scenes will appear overwhelming and might cause headaches or motion sickness. And if you choose a display that’s too small, you won’t be immersed. Aim to place seating at a distance that’s three times longer than the screen’s height. So, before you purchase a screen, measure where your seating will go. 

Mistake 5: Not Partnering with a Professional 

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you might be able to install a projector, screen, and audio by yourself. But do you know how to measure AV and seating ratios? Or how to install soundproofing and acoustic panels? If you want to add smart lighting and shading, can you integrate them into one easy-to-use control system? A home theater professional will handle everything for you, and you can simply enjoy the luxurious results. 

If you’re ready to take the first steps towards a luxury home theater design, contact Definitive Electronics in South Florida to learn more. We look forward to working with you!