The Best Home Theater You've Never Heard Of

FRONT-PROJECTION EQUIPMENT TIPS




Projector



For true HD-compatibility, get a projector with native widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) 1,280-by-720-pixel resolution.



If you have a small room, ask about "throw distance," which refers to how big an image can be projected at a given distance.



Budget for replacement projector lamps, which start to dim after 1,000 to 4,000 hours and cost $300 to $800 to replace.



Use the highest-quality video connection available: DVI, component video, S-video and composite video, in descending order.



Screen



If your projector will sit on a table, use a retro-reflective screen. If it will be ceiling-mounted, use a reflective screen.



For the best image, use a screen that is pasted to the wall (like wallpaper) or has a frame to keep it taut, instead of a roll-up screen.



You can skip the screen and just project onto a neutral gray wall, but your image will not be as bright as it would be on a screen.



Speakers



Mount the center-channel speaker above or below the screen--both spots produce similar sound. Or, for the most realistic audio, get a microperforated screen, which has tiny holes that allow you to put the center channel behind the screen.



Place rear (surround) speakers above ear level, either on the sides pointed toward the listener or facing forward behind the listener.

STEPHAN'S HOME THEATER



Da-Lite "B" model pull-down screen $256


Sanyo PLV-Z2 projector $3,000


Denon AVR-2803 receiver $800


V Inc. Bravo D1 DVD player $200


Definitive Technology Pro Cinema 60 Speakers $700


Total retail $4,956


H2.0 street estimate $3,527