Are you interested in creating a home theater? While many people used to opt for large-screen TVs, lately, the trend has moved towards projectors, since these provide crisper visuals and more customization options. These systems consist of two essential elements: the projector and the screen. The guide below offers advice for selecting the right kind of each.

How to Choose a Screen

Measure the distance between the wall where the screen will be set up and where the seating will be. Divide that number by two to determine the maximum screen height you can install without straining your eyes.

Once you have that figured out, multiply that number by your desired aspect ratio to determine the correct width. For example, a 185” high screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio will require a width of 296”. For a 4:3 ratio screen, multiply the height by 4/3.

Choose Higher Resolutions

Resolution refers to the number of tiny points of light called pixels used to make up an image on your screen. The more pixels there are, the higher the resolution, and the sharper the picture will be. A projector’s resolution is measured by the number of pixels in its vertical output.

Most high-definition projectors sold these days are 1920x1080, or simply “1080p,” which will display HDTV 1080i and 1080 Blu-Ray signals. The newest and sharpest resolution available is 4K, which has 4096x2160 pixels. Look for a minimum of 1280x720 for decent picture quality.

Brightness & Contrast

Your home theater projector needs to be bright enough to create a dynamic viewing experience. Projector brightness ratings usually range between 700 and 2,500 lumens. A higher value helps improve the image in rooms with ambient lighting, especially on screens larger than 110” in height.

Contrast refers to the difference between light and dark tones on the screen. If an image is low-contrast, you won’t be able to make it out very easily. Always choose a projector with options to adjust both brightness and contrast.

If you’re thinking of enhancing your entertainment experience with a home theater, turn to Alamo Electronics in Cincinnati, OH. These commercial electronics specialists offer the latest brands and expert installation. Since 1953, they’ve kept on the cutting edge of commercial and home audiovisual technology. They’re also pleased to offer comprehensive maintenance and repair services to ensure you enjoy your home theater to the fullest. To schedule a consultation, call (513) 791-2300. You can also find out more about their services by visiting them online.