6 Home Theatre Setup for Small Room Ideas

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The year 2021 is to blame because going to the cinema is no longer a popular pastime (for now). While this is disappointing for big-screen fans, the good news is that big-screen producers are now more focused on producing high-quality content for OTT services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Furthermore, the crowd likes this action since it gives them even more reasons to stay on their cozy couch!

The cost of constructing a home theatre in India is determined by the size of your space and the features you wish to incorporate. Nonetheless, you may always make informed judgments and invest in a DIY theatre room. Here are a few ideas to help you set up your tiny home theatre correctly.

Have you picked the appropriate television size?

What if I told you that Even a 32-inch TV could provide you with an outstanding theatre experience, ideal for your tiny home theatre ideas. It all depends on the size of your room and, more significantly, the distance between you and the television. If you want to install your TV in your bedroom, which is 10ft x 10ft, a 55-inch TV would be ideal for providing you with an immersive watching experience.

Room Selection

The quality of your home theatre experience will be determined by the room you choose for it. A square or rectangular space with little natural light is required. Because glass reflects sound and light, it shouldn't have any windows. This will detract from your moviegoing experience.

It must be large enough to provide comfortable seating and a suitable viewing distance for the screen.

Your room should be in a position where outside noise may be isolated or reduced. To decrease noise interference, you may need to soundproof your Home Theater. To block out noise, you'll need to install acoustic wall panels and carpet the entire space.

All of your equipment should be able to be easily wired in the room.

To make the home theatre room more colorful, you might be tempted to paint the walls red or add a dash of yellow. However, while bright colors help to brighten a room's ambience, they offer little to improve the viewing experience. Instead, bright colors reflect light and take your attention away from appreciating the film's environment adequately.

Sound

The heart and soul of your home theatre are the speakers. As a result, you must consider the viewing distance while purchasing a display screen. In addition, because the display screen must be installed at a specific height, make sure you measure the available width, length, and size. You also need the right home theater seating in Columbus, Ohio.

Speakers are available in a range of sizes and forms. However, prominent floor-standing speakers may not be the most excellent option for a small area because they take up space and provide terrible sound.

Surround sound may not be an option for your Home Theater if you are constrained in space.

A subwoofer will require additional room. Your sound system should be designed to complement your viewing experience. Also, you may go for the best brands known for speakers. Check Bluesound vs Sonos features to select the best for your setup.

Picture

It's essential to have a good photo.

It's important to remember that the lighting in many retail stores may lead you to believe that certain TVs have better image quality than others.

The following is a list of the many viewing choices available to you:

Behind the screen of an LCD TV, there is a distinct light source. An LCD TV has the same visual quality as an LED TV. Therefore, LEDs (essentially the same as LCDs) are the most popular.

4K refers to a TV resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, commonly known as Ultra HD. That's four times the number of pixels in a full HD TV or 8.3 million pixels. Because there are so many pixels, the pixel density is higher, and the image should be crisper and more defined.

From this standpoint, 4K or Ultra HD TVs outperform full HDTVs in picture quality and resolution. Full HD televisions have a 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, while 4K televisions have a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. So if you plan on watching 4K Netflix material, a 4K TV is the way to go.

LED-backlit 4K UHD TVs (including Samsung's new QLED series) are still LCD TVs with a more excellent resolution, although they are dubbed 4K UHD or 4K Ultra HD because of their higher resolution. The moniker 4K LCD TV is more acceptable. While OLED TVs are currently more costly than decent 4K LED TVs, the price difference is closing.

Viewing

Whether installing a TV or a display screen, Certainly, you'll choose a large one for a more realistic viewing experience.

A large TV or display screen, on the other hand, if not situated at a specific viewing distance, might ruin your movie-watching experience.

The ideal viewing distance is approximately 1.6 times the screen's diagonal dimension. So, if you want to install a 55-inch television, you should sit at a length of 88 inches (55-inch x 1.6) or 2.23 meters.

As you start losing the advantage of the resolution at a certain viewing distance, the optimum viewing distance will fluctuate based on the type of resolution.

For example, if the viewing distance exceeds 10 feet, the resolution won't matter because your eyesight isn't excellent enough to distinguish between a 720p and a 1080p HDTV.

As a result, you must consider the viewing distance while purchasing a display screen. In addition, because the display screen must be installed at a specific height, make sure you measure the available width, length, and size.

The screen distance may also be used in the opposite direction: you can measure the length of your room to determine the size of the TV you need to buy. So, if you're sitting 2.23 meters away from the screen, 2.23/1.6 Equals 1.39 meters or 55 inches.

Your computer screen's display should be at eye level. If it's too high, the TV will be above your head; you'll be craning your neck if it's too low.

Power manager

If you are really up to setting up a whole home theatre in a small room, I would suggest you install it with a home theatre power manager to avoid any issue with your speakers.

The power manager is as much required as other modules to feel the environment of the home theatre. So, don’t think of it as an option if you really want to make it for the long term.

Conclusion

If you still have concerns, get advice from a Smilyhome specialist.

You should have no trouble if you follow these 7 steps while planning your home theatre:

• Room Selection

• Lighting

• Network

• Sound

• Picture

• Viewing

• Power manager

May you have many pleasant nights watching movies in your own home.

Guest Post - Helpful “Analog” Gadgets and Hacks To Complement Your Smart Home

All homes now have at least some level of “smartness.” With appliances, security systems, HVAC, and entertainment devices all becoming interconnected through the Internet of Things, it is helpful to know about these “analog” gadgets that can complement your smart home.

These “low-tech” devices are designed to help your smart home be more energy-efficient, easier to clean, and conveniently easy to make or purchase. These low-tech gadgets and hacks will save you time and money. We have compiled a list of them below for your convenience!

1. Windows With Internal Blinds

This analog gadget is so simple, it's genius! Windows with internal blinds are an excellent analog addition to your high-tech smart home. These prefabricated windows contain a pair of magnetically controlled blinds sealed between the two panes of glass. This means your blinds stay dust-free and cannot be damaged by pets or adventurous children.

Many manufacturers also create glass doors and large windows that have blinds sealed within. This low-tech, low-maintenance addition to your home can help you regulate heating and cooling costs.

2. Thermal Insulation Paint

This paint technology was developed by NASA and has been commercially available since the late ’90s! The paint itself contains tiny honeycomb-like ceramic structures that help to trap heat inside the room it is painted onto. This technology can help you save money on your heating costs. There are both interior and exterior options and options for boats, RVs, and other alternative living spaces. 

3. Japanese Bidet (or Washlet)

Japan has taken the simple toilet to a whole new level. Toilets in the USA are acceptable if they can flush adequately, but that doesn’t cut it for our friends across the Pacific. Japanese toilets come with a male and female adapted bidet spray nozzle, comforting sounds and scents to help ease the process of using the restroom (especially in public), self-cleaning modes, and a dazzling control panel to adjust the experience to the user’s needs. 

More advanced models have built-in AC, heated seats, and room controls. If you don’t want to drop $4,000 on an advanced toilet, then you can purchase a low-tech bidet add-on to bring the Japanese washlet into your home. 

4. Making a Home “Tech Drawer” 

If your kitchen or living room is cluttered with wires, devices, and charging stations, consider making a “tech drawer!”  You can use velcro or double-sided tape to mount a power strip with great outlets and USB jacks. The DIY tech drawer is perfect for charging your family’s devices during a device-free dinner or movie night and has the added benefit of decluttering your living space.

You can expand the concept of the tech drawer and bring it into your home office or bedroom. It’s a great, low-tech way to sort and manage your high-tech devices.

5. Magnetize Your Kitchen!

Save on storage space by strategically placing magnets around your kitchen. For example, consider magnetic knife holders and magnetic strips to store knives, pots, and pans along vertical surfaces in your kitchen. 

You can even purchase magnetic racks for the inside of your refrigerator to hang bottles from its ceiling magnetically. Low-tech magnets can help improve the quality of your daily life, bringing extra storage space and a quick-grab convenience to your kitchen.

Low-Tech Hacks and Gadgets Can Compliment Our Modern High-Tech Lifestyles

The gadgets and hacks listed here are only a mere introduction to all the cool, low-tech ways you can help boost the quality of your life, save money on energy costs and help to manage our high-tech, device-driven world. Sometimes it's good to remember that a simple magnet can work wonders where the highest-of-tech gadgetry cannot.  

About the Author

Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey. She frequently works with a number of Kuhlman Electrical Services, a respected electrician in Boston.

Services You Should Consider Upgrading

There are a lot of different services that you can take advantage of in your home. Some services are more important than others, and if you’re thinking about upgrading, you should upgrade the ones that provide the best possible experience for you and your family. From internet service to security systems, there are many options out there for you. Discussed below are services you should consider upgrading around and within your home.

Streaming TV

Cable TV is not the only option for watching your favorite TV shows available, but it was once one of the most popular. Unfortunately, nowadays cable companies are notorious for raising rates and adding fees at every turn. Instead of shelling out big bucks to your local cable company, consider switching to streaming services like Hulu or Amazon Prime that will give you access to all of your favorite shows and networks for lower monthly rates. Some even come in packages that allow you to access several streaming services and only pay one monthly bill.

Landline Phone

It might be hard to let go of your landline after having it for so long, if you still have it, but it’s time to move on. Whether that means you rely only on your cellphone, or you branch out into other alternatives. Most use your internet service to connect to the outside world, providing a plug in for your modem that lets you make the calls you need and want. This is the method used most notably by services such as VoIP, MagicJack+ and netTalk Duo. Otherwise, you can go completely through the internet by communicating through Skype or Google Voice, communicating through your laptop both domestically and internationally.

Internet Service

Gone are the days when you get internet service from the local cable company or telco. There is a wide range of options available, including satellite Internet, wireless providers, DSL connections, and fiber optic services. By investing in one of these better services, you can get a faster and more reliable internet connection, one which allows you to do more in less amount of time.

For instance, when you install unlimited internet, you will get lightning-fast speeds and improved network performance at a reasonable monthly cost, all without contracts or credit checks.

Security System

Your home, the actual physical location, is one of your greatest assets. It is important to protect it with a reliable security system that will provide an early warning in the case of break-ins, fires, or other emergencies. Instead of buying older, outdated systems from your local hardware store, look for security service providers that offer fully customizable surveillance systems that can integrate with your smart devices or computers. This way, the second something goes wrong, you know and they know no matter where you are. It might also be advisable to install a security camera in areas you think would need the most protection, such as a Ring security camera to watch your front door, or a camera to watch the sides or back of your house. Whatever you think would provide the best protection or keep potential burglars away from the more vulnerable areas of your home.

Many home owners out there have not made the upgrades necessary to modernize their home or adequately protect it. However, these are the types of investments you should make that can provide adequate security, comfort, and convenience to your home.

How to Upgrade Your Home With Smart Lighting

Light marries form and functionality. You can use it to make a small room look bigger or direct a beam directly at a tiny line of print you’re trying to read. However, it takes energy to create.

Addressing climate change is a collective responsibility. Fortunately, you can decrease your carbon footprint while enhancing your home’s beauty through technology. Here are seven tips on how to upgrade your home with smart lighting.

1. Light a Path to Your Door

Most slips and falls occur at home, and having inadequate lighting when you try to make your way up a steep driveway to your front door leaves you ripe for an accident. Add a few bags of unwieldy groceries, and you’re an “oops” waiting to happen.

However, improper lighting can also pose hazards. For example, the glare from hanging carriage lamps could leave you blind if your windshield is the least bit blurry or bug-splattered. Overly bright lights along your driveway could leave your front porch plunged into deep shadows, where a would-be intruder could lurk.

The solution? Smart lighting illuminates your routes into your home to make it a snap to navigate after dark. You can find solar power stake lights to line your driveway and front steps or walkway. You don’t have to run a single wire to give yourself a landing strip when you arrive home past midnight.

2. Reduce Eye Strain While Watching TV

You might have heard that it’s a bad idea to watch TV in a darkened room. That’s because the contrast between the light on the screen and the surrounding environment causes eye strain.

Researchers from The Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute recently confirmed a modest but significant increase in subjective discomfort and changes in blink rate when watching the tube in such conditions.

The solution? Use smart lighting to create an ambient glow around your display that minimizes the contrast between light and dark. It can be as simple as adhering an LED light strip on either side of the back of your set to cast a subtle glow from behind. You can even find color-changing models if you want a funky discotheque look after sunset.

3. Create an Atmosphere With LEDs

You can use LED bulbs nearly anywhere. Plus, replacing incandescents with these models decreases your carbon footprint while saving money. These models use less energy, saving you as much as $75 over the life of the bulb.

For example, do you want a soft, romantic glow in your bedroom? Swap your white bulb for a soft pink or lavender LED model. You won’t have to worry about the bulb burning a hole in your favorite scarf you used to throw over the lamp to set the mood.

Your kiddos can have a field day with LED bulbs. Get a color-changing one or create a rainbow effect with different hues in each lamp.

Even spots like the kitchen aren’t off-limits to LED works of wonder. You can find inexpensive under-cabinet lighting at most hardware stores that allows you to change the warmth from bright daylight to a warm glow for evenings.

4. Get Cellphone Savvy

There’s an app for everything these days – including turning off the lights when you forget. When selecting a new smart lighting system, seek one that links to your cellphone, allowing you to turn things off and on, even if you’re two states away. Could you imagine if Kevin McCallister from “Home Alone” had such technology?

Some models double as dimmer switches. If you’re one of the many working from home since the pandemic, use this trick to create a visual buffer between the “office” and the rest of your life. Dim your lights when your workday ends – you’ll instantly feel the stress start to slide from your shoulders.

5. Make It Automatic

Why make going from day to night require any effort at all? One of the benefits of smart lighting is that you can use timers to dictate when certain lamps turn on or off.

This feature significantly enhances your safety and might save you a few bucks on your homeowners’ insurance. Programmable timers make it look like someone is always home, deterring thieves. Check with your carrier to see if they give discounts for home security improvements like these.

6. Incorporate Backlighting

Adding lights underneath cabinets is only one way to highlight your home’s architectural beauty. You can also use illumination to highlight objects like mirrors and entertainment centers.

Doing so gives your home a sophisticated air. However, you won’t have to shell out big bucks. You can create the look with inexpensive smart LED string lights that easily mount behind the object you want to showcase.

7. Highlight Your Favorite Works of Art

Have you ever browsed an art gallery and noticed the tiny lamps illuminating each piece? You can likewise draw attention to the artwork decking your walls.

You can use backlighting for this purpose. Another option is to mount wall sconces on either side of the piece you want to highlight. If you have an impressive gallery, why not light it up like one, with an individual lamp showcasing each painting?

Upgrade Your Home With Smart Lighting

You might be spending more time at home these days. Improving your abode doesn’t have to entail shelling out big bucks, though. A little illumination can often do the trick. Follow the tips above to upgrade your home with smart lighting and enjoy a brighter tomorrow.