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Complex technology can be confusing especially when dealing with electronics and the new wave of network systems that are invading our homes. Most homeowners really want to know exactly what they are purchasing and how it all works, but ultimately understanding the technology is best left to experts. There are, however, some clear and practical tips to help you cut through the tech jargon and assist you with purchasing new home audio/video equipment.

Rapid advancements in technology have made specialized audiovisual equipment commonplace in American homes. Pause for a moment and take inventory of the items you might already have or at least visualize for your future: A large plasma screen television, lights that adjust to create a pre-set mood, teenagers playing video games or downloading music from the internet to their iPod, and security systems and outdoor lights that can be controlled while you are away from home. Chances are you have a lot of devices already at work in your home. Although it signifies that most of us are becoming technologically minded, you would need to be in the industry to know all the ins and outs of electronics.

At this point it’s okay to admit you don’t know everything and seek out the help of a custom installer. A knowledgeable and qualified installer can give you the video or surround system you desire while making the process hassle free. As the purchaser, you will still have to make some decisions regarding what kind of system you desire. To assist you with your audio/video planning process, we have provided answers to some of the most commonly asked and pertinent questions.

Q: Should I pre-wire rooms in my home even if I don’t currently plan on locating a television, computer, phone, fax or music speakers in those rooms?

A: Surprisingly, ensuring a proper wiring infrastructure is in place for current and future needs is more important than selecting the type and brands of equipment you want. Equipment can be easily changed, but re-wiring a home gets complicated and expensive. Most people don’t think about technology until they have it, and then wonder how they ever survived without it. Since no one can predict the future of technology, pre-wiring is a basic common sense step.

Q: What should I consider when designing a home theater?

A: Foremost, how you plan to use the room. Some homeowners want a dedicated theater room with comfortable theater chairs, lighting controls and even a concession stand. Others prefer a multi-purpose room for entertaining whether the television is turned on or not. The latter allows for more usage, but restricts the type of system you can install.

A major concern for a dedicated theater is the shape of the room. A square room provides less than ideal acoustics, while a room with odd angles encourages movement of sound, thereby providing better sound quality. A dedicated theater setup also allows equipment to be selectively placed for optimum sound and visual quality without having to consider sound interference caused by multiple door openings, fixtures, or window spaces.

A multi-use entertainment room, like a recreation or living room, has to balance equipment with aesthetics. Speakers and electronic components will need to be discreetly stored which may require some motorized equipment, built-ins, or closet space. Walls and floor coverings should encourage good acoustics as much as possible. Comfortable seating and adjustable lighting are also important considerations.

Q: Which is a better choice for viewing screens–plasma or LCD?

A: Making the decision between plasma and LCD involves several different factors. Currently, LCD televisions are limited to a 42 inch screen size making them better suited for smaller rooms. Plasma screen sizes really begin around 42 inch and are available up to 102 inches for large audience viewing or bigger rooms. Due to their backlighting, LCD screens are also better suited to high sunlight environments.

Until recently, the superior brightness, greater color spectrum and wider viewing angle of plasma screens, when compared to LCD screens made them the consumer’s choice for HDTV Flat panel displays. However, improvements in LCD technology, like HDTV-crucial resolution, combined with cheaper prices and lower electrical power consumption have put LCDs back in the competitive market with plasma screens. For computers and static images, LCD is definitely the way to go because of their ability to withstand burn-in.

Q: What kind of speakers are best for my home?

A: Speakers vary according to their use. They need to deliver the sound pressure and dynamics your home theater requires for a quality surround sound experience. Some speakers tend to be better suited to high-quality music production, so if you plan on listening to music through your home theater system, select high-quality speakers that will reproduce movies and great music with equal ability.

Virtually any combination of in-wall, sub satellites and floor-standing speakers is possible. Again, the configuration you choose will be determined by the sound quality you wish to achieve. As a general rule, floor-standing or bookcase speakers are great for music. By combining these with in-wall speakers you can achieve instant surround sound for movie viewing. In-wall speakers are also a good choice for streamlining multi-room systems. They are hardly noticeable, yet provide decent quality sound to areas of the home not dedicated strictly to audio.

Q: What is the difference between single and multi-room sound systems?

A: A single room system is like a sound system in a box. It contains all the components necessary to create optimum television and music sound quality for only one room. These systems are portable making them the perfect choice should you be planning to move to a new residence in the future. They are also great for homes that are not pre-wired, although with a little ingenuity a professional installer can usually wire an existing structure with no problem.

A multi-room sound system is designed with the whole house in mind. It is comprised of a central hub or server that houses CDs and is maintained at various locations throughout the home via touchpads or remotes. The beauty of this system is that it allows members of the household to listen to their own choice of music in different rooms all at the same time. Because it involves many rooms of the home, this system should ideally be planned during the construction phase when wiring the home takes place. If you have recently purchased a new home and want to install a multi-room system, have a professional check for pre-wiring. With advances in technology changing daily, many of today’s homes are built pre-wired with ample cabling.

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