Best Way to Create Your Own Custom Home Theatre

Imagine if you could have a movie theatre right in the comfort of your own home. No need to run to the bathroom -- you can pause movies when you want to take a break! Five dollars for a small popcorn? Not in your house! By installing your own home theatre system, bringing the theatre home is not only possible, it's easy! Here are our recommendations for what you need for your home theatre.

1. First and most importantly, you're going to want a TV. Here are our top picks for which kind of TV to shop for when you're buying a TV for your home theatre system:

• Flat Panel TVs: These are your Plasma TVs or LCD TVs and are great for setting up a home theatre in a room with less space. These TVs can be stored on a TV stand or mounted on the wall like a piece of art. Flat Screen TVs are some of the most popular type of TV on the market.
• Rear Projection TVs: A rear projection TV is a traditional big screen TV. Big screen TVs frequently come in sizes as large as 53" and take up a lot of space in the living room. Rear projection TVs often have lower quality picture than flat screens.
• Front Projection: If you really want to feel like you are in a movie theatre, shop for a front projection TV or TV projector. Projectors take up minimal space, but can produce screens up to 200". Instead of running from a TV unit, a projector illuminates the image onto a screen or wall, allowing for greater portability and larger viewing size. The downside of projectors is that they do not work well in heavily lit rooms.

2. Next, make sure you have all the media players you will need. Here are the most important features to buy for your home theatre:

• DVD or Blu-Ray Disc Player: What's a home theatre system if you can't watch movies? You'll want to make sure you buy a DVD player or Blu-Ray Disc player to play HD DVDs and CDs.
• Surround Sound: There are two parts to this piece - an AV receiver and the accompanying speakers. The receiver will allow you to hook up your speakers to your TV, DVD player, stereo, and anything else. The speakers will make you feel as if the sound is all around you.
• Cable: Don't forget cable! Contact your local cable provider to see what cable TV options are available for you.

3. Your chance to make your home theatre better than a traditional theatre rests in the seating arrangement! We recommend lazy boy chairs, recliners, or a large comfortable couch. Whatever type of seating you choose, make sure there is lots of space -- you're going to want to entertain once this home theatre is finished! (Helpful hint: look for seating that includes cup holders to avoid potential spills in the future. This is especially helpful if you have teenagers!)

4. Finally, what extras do you need to make your custom home theatre really your own? We suggest:

• If your home theatre is in a basement or den, consider a mini fridge. This will allow you to have easy access to beverages while you are watching a movie, the game, or even the morning news.
• As long as you have the refrigerator, how about a microwave? You have to have a way to keep the popcorn popping!
• If you want to turn the room into more than just a home theatre, make it a game room. Shop for a pool table, card table, arcade games, or air hockey.
• If you're really about bringing the movie theatre home, house lighting could be the final touch you need.

Now that you know our recommendations for creating the ultimate home theatre, browse Sears.com and find everything that you need to complete the project.