When you install a new home theatre system, you will likely invest in the best technology and the latest devices. This will maximize your experience of the big screen at home. However, technology evolves rapidly. Televisions, speakers, video players and streaming devices will all go from cutting edge to obsolete over several years. What do you do with your home theatre then? Here are a few tips to make sure your setup can survive the technological changes that are sure to come.
Centralize Your Wiring
When you install a home theatre, you will want to streamline your wiring. To do this, most people run the lines behind the walls. This makes a lot of sense. Having your wiring exposed is messy and unattractive. It can even be jumbled and dangerous. There are plenty of advantages to putting your wiring out of sight, but you want to make sure it is still accessible. Moreover, make sure it is centralized. If and when you need to tweak your system, you will want to access those wires. If you have them all in a centralized location, then your upgrades will be easier to manage.
Choose HDMI Cables When Possible
Technology evolves continuously, but some advancements are more permanent than others. One of those products is the HDMI cable. These cables are the go-to option for most audio and visual technology. With HDMI cables, you can connect video and audio in HD. HDMI cables work with laptops, phones, media players and tablets. Because of this widespread usage, it is unlikely that this technology will disappear very soon.
Invest in a Surge Protector
Not all of your problems will come from outdated technology. Another risk for your home setup is technology mishaps. Some mishaps are probably inevitable. However, you can take certain measures to mitigate some of the more common problems. This is the case with surge protectors. Surge protectors are special outlets that keep spikes in the electrical current from discharging into your equipment. Surges can happen during lightning strikes and other electrical outages. During a surge, your equipment can get ruined. Televisions, speakers, computers and more are all vulnerable to electrical surges. If you want to keep your items in prime condition for longer, then a surge protector is a simple and effective investment.
Buy Quality Baseline Equipment to Last
When it comes to your major equipment, you will not stay on the cutting edge forever. Indeed, within a few years, your television will no longer be the latest model. Your video player will be outdated. However, that does not mean that all of this equipment is immediately obsolete. The trick is to invest in quality equipment that relies on established, reliable technology. For your projector, you can stick with a reliable 720p projector. This is not as fancy as a 1080p television, but it is likely to last longer. Plus, the difference in quality is negligible. Similarly, a 5.1 surround sound system is likely to last as long as you need it.
Resist the Urge to Constantly Update
In some cases, futureproofing your system is all a matter of perspective. Think about it. Is your setup really letting you down? Do you feel like the picture quality is not good enough? Are you actually missing out on a full range of sounds? Or are you just tempted by the latest technology? New technology is a lot of fun, but it is not always necessary. In many cases, your older technology will function just fine and at a high level. Therefore, keep your priorities in order. This will keep your system in order for years.
Consult with the Experts
In the end, trying to pick the best solution for long-term viewing can be overwhelming. If you feel daunted by making the best choices, do not be afraid to talk to the experts. Experts in home theatre installation can make sure you have the right equipment to get you through the long haul. They can also be there when you are ready for an upgrade.