Home cinema

The video aspect usually involves a large-screen and/or high definition television or a projection system. Quality audio reproduction is usually achieved with a high fidelity surround sound system.

"Home cinema" has become something of a buzzword. Technically, a home cinema could be as basic as a simple arrangement of a Television, VCR, and a set of speakers. It is therefore difficult to specify exactly what distinguishes a "home cinema" from a "television and stereo".

However, "home cinema" implies a real "cinema experience" and therefore a higher quality set of components. A typical home theater would include the following:

1. A large, prominent, display--generally a big-screen television (see Liquid crystal display television) or possibly a projector, often HDTV capable.
2. One or more audio/video sources. High quality formats such as DVD or Laserdisc are preferred, though old home cinema setups use VHS.
3. An audio system that is capable of surround sound (at least 5.1). This usually consists of several speakers and a subwoofer. Sometimes a specialized decoder is used to allow the playback of newer surround-sound formats.
4. Comfortable seating and organization to improve the cinema feel. This might include several comfortable recliners and curtains or subdued room lighting to enhance the experience.

These days it is possible to purchase "home theater in a box" kits from various promiment electronics companies. These kits include a set of speakers for surround sound, an amplifier/tuner for adjusting volume and selecting video sources, and sometimes a DVD player or VCR. Though these kits pale in comparison to a true custom built home cinema, these kits are attractively priced. One needs only to add a television and some movies in order to create a simple home theater.

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