Living in 2015 means that you have dozens of technical devices at the reach of your hand. From incredibly powerful smartphones to handy tablets and huge TV-sets, media content can be accessed from various platforms. But how about making one step forward and assembling many of the available devices to create a media center in your very home?
1. Putting It Together
It might sound easy when you are well informed on different items that you need to put together to get a functional home media hub. However, buying separate things to make a home media center on your own can be a real hassle if you are not into computer components. From the CPU, the motherboard and the video card to RAM memory, you really have to know what you are doing. For instance, you should avoid high-TDP processors, to reduce the amount of heat in the case. So, to avoid mistakes that could lead to a total eclipse of your home-made theater, check these tips for HTPC beginners.
2. Visual Issues
The matter of the video output that you get from your mean HTPC machine is the most important one. You want to reach great visual quality even on a budget.
3. Screen
If money is not a problem, a large-screen TV-set is the best choice. On the other hand, a thin-wallet budget means opting for a projector screen. They can be bought at pretty affordable prices or they can be DIY.
4. Projector
If you decide to go beyond the regular TV set, you will need a projector. Classic second-hand projectors can be bought for up to $200. However, HD devices will require more than $500. They can be obtained at lower prices via eBay or similar sites from all parts of the world, from China to Australia. But quality of sound and video are the highest echelon of home tech, so going for a golden AV deal is always a better option than scrambling through somebody’s seconds.
5. Cables
Going for a HDHT (high-definition home theater) means that you will be using HDMI cables. Here you can save money if you buy the HDMI cables wisely. The money saved here can be invested in other features (like a functional HTPC case).
6. Keep The Sound Profound
When you are creating a home media center, you have to ensure that the sound you get from it is deep and rich. Tiny computer speakers should never be a part of a home theater.
First of all, you need to insulate the room in which you are building your home media center. The ceiling can be covered with fiberglass, due to its great acoustic features. If you have to deal with walls that simply do nothing for sound quality, you could find a solution in acoustic boards.
Secondly, you should never use anything weaker than a 5.1 system. Today there are also 7.1 systems (seven speakers and a subwoofer), but they are still a bit expensive, and it takes a real AV enthusiast to tell the difference between the quality of sound between a 5.1 and a 7.1 system.
Again, you will need different wires and cables. Stick to affordable ones and don’t fall far the branded ones – you will be paying only for the brand, and the quality won’t be any different (and in occasions it will be worse) than average wire and cable manufacturers.
Wrapping Up
Modern people need to use modern things to feel that they belong to the spirit of the time. Your home media center will allow you to play many different formats of audio and video material. It will serve as a true entertainment hub, and if you combine it with an attractive room design, it could become the central room in your house, one that you proudly show off to family and friends.
