Transform your living space into a cinematic paradise. Discover what you can get for every budget.
Which type of room you choose will impact the cost of your installation and the professionals you'll need. Let's explore what you can get for your budget.
Create a simpler home theater with a large TV rather than a projector. Lower-end speakers can be set up through the TV which reduces equipment and installation costs
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At the lower end, acheive a mid-range theater with a high quality, large TV. At the higher end, it includes a projector and screen with quality surrond sound speakers.
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The ultimate theater experience with the highest quality equipment, largest screens, and top-range surrond speakers. May include custom construction and luxury finishing.
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Home theaters and media rooms are no longer exclusive to the rich and famous. Thanks to smart technology, it’s easier than ever to install them in your home.
Whether you’re looking for a home theater to watch movies with friends and family or a media room to elevate your gaming, there are smart entertainment options for every budget.
We’ll explain the differences between home theaters and media rooms, and what you can get for your money.
Although similar, home cinemas and media rooms are different.
A home theater's sole purpose is for viewing things – whether that’s Friday night films, football matches or TV shows. Home theaters recreate the movie theatre atmosphere in your living space with technology like projectors, large TV screens, surround sound speakers and dimmable lights.
Media rooms use similar technology, they’re also a place to consume music and play video games. Some even incorporate virtual reality (VR) and driving simulators.
Whichever option you pick, it’s important to factor in installation costs. Even with a budget home cinema, you may still want to hire a Smart Home Professional to make sure everything works as intended. Many CEDIA members are experts in installing home theater and media room systems. They’ll ensure you get the best out of your new entertainment space – big or small.
A home cinema's sole purpos is for viewing things - whether that's movies, sports, or TV shows. Home Cinema's recreate the movie theater atmosphere with projectors, large screens, surrond sound, and dimmable lights. Media rooms use similar technology but also designed for consuming music, playing video games, and may incorporate VR and driving simulators.
Even with a budget home theater, hiring a Smart Home Professional ensures everything works as intended. CEDIA members are experts in installing home theater and media room systems, ensuring you get the best out of your entertainment space – big or small.
Absolutely! Many homeowners start with a budget setup and gradually upgrade components. You might start with a quality TV and basic sound system, then add a projector, upgrade speakers, or improve acoustics as your budget allows.
The biggest cost factors include screen/projector quality and size, speaker system quality and installation method (in-wall vs. standalone), room construction or modification needs, and aesthetic finishes. Professional installation also varies based on complexity.
Budget home theaters can work in smaller existing spaces. Mid-range setups typically need a dedicated room of at least 12x15 feet. High-end installations may require custom construction or room expansion to accommodate the equipment and seating.
Installation costs typically cover equipment setup, speaker placement and calibration, wire management, system integration, and testing. High-end installations may also include acoustic treatment, custom seating, lighting design, and smart home integration.