Creating a home theater involves more than mounting a big screen TV. A well-configured home theater involves many entertainment components that create a movie-going experience at home. Most people want to know what a home theater installation cost before getting started, so let’s dive into the details.
Choosing Your Home Theater Equipment
The first step to create a home theater is to pick all of the technology – this is where most of the cost will be accrued. You can create a small system and keep the cost to a minimum or choose all top-of-the-line equipment. By evaluating each aspect, you can further anticipate your home theater installation cost.
Projector Screen
One of the most essential pieces of equipment is the projector screen. If you invest in a high-quality screen, it may likely be the longest-lasting piece of equipment you own.
This is also where you can expect to spend a good amount of money. For example, a higher-end 120-inch screen can run $3,000, but it’s worth every cent.
You will also need to know if you require a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio. One is square (and not as widely used) while the other is widescreen and used with most HDTV programming.
Home Theater Projectors
Projector technology is continually evolving and changing; every year, we see new models brought to the market. The good news is that what was once expensive, isn’t any longer, making it easier to purchase a nice model as new, marked-up versions emerge.
Just be careful you don’t choose a projector that’s too close to the low-end of the value spectrum. Otherwise, you may end up with a system that’s meant for conference rooms and business applications.
You may not need the highest quality for board-room presentations, but watching movies at-home definitely requires an investment in obtaining clear and beautiful picture quality.
Expect to pay between $10,000 and $60,000 for a reliable front projector. Make sure your new projector has widescreen features, exceptional video processing, and 4K.
You should also price the lamps before you make a purchase; most projectors only have a lamp life of 6,000 hours before they require replacement.
Surround Sound Speaker System
Your surround sound speaker system is just as important as the screen you invest in; no one ever complains that they spent too much in this department. You can choose a traditional 5.1 surround sound configuration or nine speakers and two subwoofers.
The most important speakers in your surround sound setup are the front three – they hold more value than the rear speakers. The center channel controls the output for the majority of the dialogue.
If you’re an action movie buff, you will want the best subwoofers. Two is better than one if you desire the maximum amounts of bass for hard-hitting moving moments.
For the effects channels, you can also include speakers in the ceiling, rears or sides. Remember, as quality increases, so does the price. For something more affordable, your best solution is a home theater in a box system, which provides all the essentials for a surround sound setup.
Home Theater Receivers
Think of the home theater receiver as the central hub to the entire system. All the sound, video, and amplification need to run through the receivers.
You should purchase a receiver that controls the speakers well. Consider a separate multi-channel amplifier and home theater processor for the best sound quality.
Home Theater Seating
Many people forget to factor in seating when calculating their home theater installation cost. But you can’t create a mind-blowing sound and video system and then neglect the design.
Do you want multiple rows of seats? If so, have a professional on hand to deal with sightline concerns. After all, you don’t want someone’s head blocking your view.
On the other hand, if you put your screen too high, you may end up straining your neck to watch your program.
You can spend as much or little as you want in the design and seating department, as with the rest of your home theater set-up. Of course, we recommend buying quality seating. It might seem like you are getting a deal with bargain-priced furniture, but the padding will give out and create an uncomfortable experience down the road.
Home Theater Installation Prices
Installing a home theater ranges in price, as much as the equipment does. The cost truly comes down to how much equipment you have and how much work needs to be done.
You can’t rush quality calibration and installation. Invest the money in hiring a professional for all your home theater needs. With an experienced installer, you can anticipate paying anywhere from $300 to $20,000 on a home theater system installation, depending on the amount of work required.
The only way to get an accurate home theater installation cost estimate is to call for a free quote.
Home Theater Cost Factors
Before getting a detailed cost of installing a new home theater experience, ask yourself a few questions.
What do you already have that you plan to use?
If you have some decent equipment on hand, you can lower your upfront costs. For example, some people start with a surround sound system and then decide to turn it into a complete movie theater. You might also have some of the essential additional components on hand, such as a Blu-Ray or DVD player.
What do you need or want to buy in addition to what you have? Your next step is to list everything you still need to purchase. Decide what you are willing to spend on each of these components. Reference the home theater installation cost guide above if you need help getting started.
How extravagant do you want to be? Are you willing to spare no expense?
Set up a reasonable price range for the items you intend to purchase. Don’t forget to factor in the professional configuration fees, as this can vary greatly.
Home Theater Pros for Your Home Theater Installations
You deserve the best when it comes to your theater experience. Trust the professional installers at Home Theater Pros. We guarantee that all your equipment, including the projector and screen, will be configured for optimal viewing.
Contact us today to get an in-depth evaluation of your needs. We offer convenient appointment times to work with your busy schedule.
Once you decide to move forward with the installation, we handle every detail, from start to finish. Trust your home theater and sound systems to us.
We also work with clients on patio entertainment systems and home automation. Reach out to us today.