Streaming services have changed the way we watch shows, movies, even live events. And while it is extremely convenient to watch the latest episode of your favourite show on your mobile phone but even the most digitally forward nomads will agree that everything looks and sounds better on a Home Theatre. You hear sounds you’d have missed while watching on your mobile screen, you certainly will notice details that you would’ve not been able to catch on your laptop screen. And so, here's our buying guide to help you choose the right Home Theatre System
Consider These Before Bringing Home Your New Home Theatre System
Obviously the first step to building a great Home Theatre System is to get the right TV or to understand the one you already have. Here’s what you need to know:
4K or 8K HDR
A TV equipped with 4K, 8K, and HDR are essential in getting a truly immersive viewing experience.
Smart TV
Smart TVs today provide users an easy way to connect wirelessly with hardware, using built-in Wi-Fi.
Ports and Slots
Ensure your TV has an adequate selection of ports, ranging from HDMI and USB to optical and coaxial inputs.
Space Constraints
The size of your room will determine the size and power of your speakers. Measure your room before you walk into the nearest Croma store or shop online on croma.com.
Style
With about half a dozen speakers that go all over the room, a Home Theatre System is an elaborate piece of equipment. It can either complement your room or stand out like a sore thumb. Consider the aesthetics of your room as well as that of your Home Theatre System before you make a purchase.
Special Requirements
You may not want some of your speakers to be obviously visible. This may require the intervention of a civil contractor and an electrician. Consider that before you invest in a Home Theatre System.
Traditional Home Theatre Systems are ones that comprise a set of speakers that get plugged into different parts of the room to deliver a truly immersive and cinema hall-like experience. Soundbars may not ‘bring home the theatre to you’ but are a lot niftier and lot easier to install.
Home Theatre In-A-Box Systems
- A combination of all the necessary components in a Home Theatre system, like an A/V receiver, a set of speakers, and cables
- All products are made by the same manufacturer, ensuring uniform performance and quality
- Easy to setup and install. All required cables and connectors are included in the box
- Ideal for customers who are looking for a professional audio setup or a personalised home setup
- Superior audio performance and more connectivity options than soundbars
Soundbars
- Integrating the left, right, and centre channel speakers into a sleek single unit, soundbars are an all-in-one solution to your audio needs
- More space saving as compared to traditional Home Theatre Systems
- Powerful audio performance, often with subwoofers that are far beyond TV audio capabilities
- Ideal for customers looking for an affordable home setup
- A sleek, compact aesthetic that reduces clutter by connecting wirelessly, or with a single cable
Video Upscaling
Upscaling enhances the video input to match the highest resolution offered by your TV. 4K and 8K upscaling improves the quality of content.
Audio Format Support
Make sure that the AV receiver supports various formats like Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, or DTS HD Master Audio.
HDMI & 3D Pass Through
Provides an easy, single cable connection to send high-definition audio from source to receiver. Transmits both digital and analog signals.
Surround Sound
Most Home Theatre Systems support Dolby Digital or DTS (Dolby True Surround) sound formats. Surround sound adds a layer of depth to the sound quality.
Internet Connectivity
Internet connectivity helps you stream directly from a Home Theatre or soundbar system. To connect your TV to the Internet, you will require an Ethernet port or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Remote Control and Smart Assistant
Remote control or smart assistant provide the users with a convenient way to interact with the device.
Home Theatre systems provide a truly enriching audio experience. The subwoofer unit adds an extra bass kick, while multiple speakers evenly distribute the noise to add a surround sound effect. Multi-channel speakers are powerful audio systems, ideal for large rooms like the hall or living room.
Benefits of a Home Theatre System
A Home Theatre System is relatively easy to set up and can connect with your TV and Smartphone both
With several design options, you are likely to find a Home Theatre System that will go with the aesthetic of your room
Rich bass and excellent surround sound
Wireless connectivity options such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Powerful audio performance with richer audio output than most TVs
Easily accessible from a distance using a remote or a smartphone
Newer models are equipped with smart assistant functionality making it even more convenient to operate one
Soundbars with Quality and Convenience No Bar
Soundbars are a sleek, compact, and affordable alternative to traditional Home Theatre Systems. Even the best 4K TVs today struggle to provide a truly immersive audio experience, which can easily be fixed with the addition of a soundbar.
Soundbars are even easier to set up and connect with your TV than a Home Theatre System
They pack in multiple channel setup and powerful performance in a lightweight, single unit
Available in aesthetic options, so a soundbar never sticks out like a sore thumb in any room
A Soundbar is especially great when you’re on a budget because it’s a good affordable alternative to a Home Theatre System
Ideal for wall-mounted TVs. Generally, soundbars are mounted on the wall centrally under the TV
Newer models are equipped with smart assistant functionality making it even easier to operate one
Channels
For a Home Theatre experience, a soundbar with 3 channels or more is recommended. Soundbars range from 2 to 9 channel systems, some also including a wireless subwoofer. A subwoofer is indicated by the .1 in 5.1 channel systems, for better bass performance.
Connectivity
Wireless connectivity in the form of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. Hardware connectivity like HDMI, USB, and aux ports per your requirements.
Active or Passive
Active soundbars have built-in amplifiers which boost the sound. Ideal for space-saving without compromising on the audio output.
Technology
Soundbars supporting the latest technology such as Dolby Atmos and Virtual Surround Sound provide better audio quality.
