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See Also: HERE ARE 3 MISTAKES TO AVOID IN YOUR HOME THEATER DESIGN

ACOUSTICS

There are few things worse in the world of AV than a sound system that doesn’t work right. No matter how high-end your speakers are, they won’t sound their best in a room that can’t accommodate them. Whether you’re building a custom home theater or modern media room, your installer should consider the acoustics of the space. Furniture, carpeting, windows, and more will affect sound reflections and high and low frequencies, so they should plan accordingly.

LIGHT

Home theaters tend to be installed in back rooms and spaces where there’s not a lot of ambient light. But media rooms tend to work as more open spaces, often featuring a lot of windows and overhead fixtures. Ask your installer about light management options, like lighting control systems and motorized window treatments. That way, you can reduce or eliminate the chance of glare ruining your experience with the touch of a single button.

VIEWING ANGLE

One of the most exciting things about 4K (and now 8K) resolution is that you can enjoy a larger TV screen in a smaller space, without seeing any deterioration in the image. But consider this: is the flat-panel you’re eye-balling too big for your media room? You’ll want to avoid having to turn your head every time an object moves across the screen. Your installer should plan where the seating will go and offer suggestions for a comfortable and immersive viewing experience that won’t give you whiplash.

SOURCES AND SWITCHES

You don’t have to be a technology expert to understand this simple concept: changing sources should be simple and intuitive. If you want to watch a movie in the morning, catch a football game in the afternoon, then play videogames in the evening, your system should make it easy. A quality integrator will store your sources in an out-of-the-way space and simplify switching between them so you can start enjoying your content without hassle.

SEE ALSO: PREPARE FOR SUMMER FUN WITH AN OUTDOOR SPEAKER SYSTEM

GAMING

A great summer activity is playing video games with friends. Whether you are playing vintage consoles like the N64 or more modern consoles like the PS4, you need an audio video system that will give you the best performance possible. For an exceptional experience, consider installing a video wall of multiple televisions. You can display one picture across multiple TVs, or you can use split-screen mode to enhance multiplayer gameplay.

For example, if you are playing a competitive game, separate screens enhance player privacy and avoid revealing your location to your opponents. In co-op play, a split-screen mode can help you explore different parts of the map more effectively. Hi-fi surround sound systems completely immerse you in the world of the game. A Savant home automation system will allow you to control various aspects of your home's technology without hitting pause.

MOVIE NIGHT

Summer is the perfect time for watching blockbuster movies, but with social distancing orders in place and movie theaters closed, you miss out on those classic movie nights. What if you could bring the experience of the cinema to the safety of your home? Stream 4K content from a variety of services to watch all of your favorite movies and TV shows. Movie services like Kaleidescape and Prime Cinema offer you access to brand new movies before the theaters reopen. And with many commercial theaters closed, many releases are hitting streaming services in just a matter of weeks.

 If you are set on having a video wall for gaming purposes, consider installing a projector screen in the ceiling that rolls down in front of it for movie night. Integrate your audio video equipment with a home automation system and create a scene called "Movie Night." With just the press of a button on a remote or smart device of choice, roll down the screen, dim the lights, close the shades, turn up the AC, lock the doors, and start your movie without leaving the comfort of the couch.