| Now that you've selected all the components for
your new home theater system, it's time to "trick it out"
with some accessories. While things such as cables, wires, and
surge protectors aren't very exciting, careful thought needs to
put into you selection. Also, unless you're into mountains of
'clickers', don't forget to pick up a decent universal remote!
Speaker cables, surge protectors, etc.
 Here
are some tips for wiring your system:
- Don't use speaker cable that ships with the speakers. Use
thicker, high-quality cable- 14 gauge minimum, 12 gauge recommended.
If you have long speaker runs (for the surrounds) you may need
thicker cable for those.
- Use a low-frequency coaxial cable specifically designed for
subwoofer connections. Don't use plain speaker wire from receiver
to sub.
 Be
sure to buy a decent surge protector ($50 and up). Connect all
components to it. (If the subwoofer is not near the receiver,
you may need a 2nd surge protector.)
I almost lost a sub this way during a thunderstorm. I had moved
the sub to a different wall, and never got around to buying
a surge protector. Needless to say, after that close call I
have one now!
- When installing speaker wires or other cables (HDMI, Coax,
etc.) don't staple any cables to joists, walls, or anywhere
else. It could damage the cable. Use fasteners designed for
that purpose. Zip ties work pretty well. You can staple the
end of the zip tie to the joist while keeping the cable safe
and sound.
Universal remotes
If you've ever had to search and search for a remote, but have
found three others, then maybe it's time to simplify things with
a single universal remote!
Decent, programmable universal remotes range from 'no frills'
models starting at about $5, to high end ones costing several
hundred to several thousand dollars! |
Harmony universal remotes
Harmony makes great remotes in a wide range of prices. Many can
be programmed by downloading codes right to your remote from the
Internet! You can set up macros that allow you to push one button,
for example, I have a macro on my Harmony 880 called: "Watch
Blu-ray/DVD" that will configure everthing in my system correctly.
It turns on all components and sets my A/V receiver and projector
to the correct inputs. No more getting lost in mountains of menus
and buttons! |
