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It’s Easy As 1… 2… 3!

More and more people are taking bonus rooms, dens, basements, even extra bedrooms – and turning them into home theaters, media rooms and entertainment centers. At Berkline, we’ve been part of the Home Theater Revolution from the beginning. Here’s how EASY it is to create a theater in YOUR home!

1. PICK A ROOM, ANY ROOM

Practically ANY room can become a very enjoyable home theater. But for the best sound and viewing, shoot for these characteristics:

Shape & Size. Ideally, your room has four walls with a door that closes. That way you can turn up the volume without disturbing others. The ideal room is rectangular, with the screen and front speakers placed along one of the short walls. But it doesn’t have to be a big room to provide big enjoyment!

Viewing Angles & Distances. A TV image looks sharpest when viewed straight on, though most TV screens present a good picture within an arc of 60 to 90 degrees. The ideal eye-to-screen distance is considered to be about three times the screen diagonal. Which means a 36-inch screen looks best from about nine feet away.

Acoustics. For better acoustics, choose soft furnishings that absorb sound, and decorate your walls with materials that absorb sound. If possible, cover hard floors with carpeting or rugs.

Light. For the brightest image on the screen, try to block out as much other light as possible. Heavy curtains that completely cover the windows are best (for both light and sound). Dens, finished basements and recreation rooms typically have few or no windows, which makes light control easier.

2. EQUIPMENT, THE EASY WAY

“Home Theater In A Box” is a popular and affordable way to jump-start your theater setup. Most of the big audio manufacturers have packaged a surround sound receiver, matching speakers and all the cords and cables in a single box. Instructions guide you through the setup process, and you’ll get a big sound in return for a smaller investment of time and money. Highly recommended!

Prefer to assemble a custom system? Here are the basics:

Large Screen TV. There are three basic types of TVs: direct view, rear projection and front projection. The good news: Prices on all large format TVs have never been lower! Your television should have a viewing area of at least 27" to capture the highly detailed images from a digital source like DVD, satellite or digital cable.

For the ultimate in viewing, consider choosing a High Definition (HDTV) display, available in flat screen (LCD or plasma), rear-projection or digital projector formats. HDTV delivers the highest degree of detail and image clarity, and more and more HDTV programming is being offered on DVD and through cable and satellite sources. With HDTV, the picture is so crisp and life-like, it’s easy to forget you’re looking at a TV screen!

Surround Sound Receiver. Home theater sound starts with a receiver. All your components (DVD player, CD player, VCR, etc.) plug into the receiver, which processes and amplifies the signal and sends it to the appropriate speakers around the room.

Speakers. For a true, home theater “surround sound” experience, you’ll want
to have a total of six speakers – two in the front, one in the center, a subwoofer, and two rear speakers. Surround sound is so exciting because it’s truly ALL around you. Just like in real life!

3. COMFORTABLE, THEATER-STYLE SEATING

There’s A Difference. Home theater seating is different from other reclining chairs, and nobody knows more about this unique category than Berkline. Not only is it designed to keep you comfortable through your favorite DVDs (including all the extras), Berkline home theater seating offers special features that add enjoyment to the viewing experience.

Floor Plan Options. Berkline home theater seating is available in many different styles and covers. And you can choose from a variety of configurations and features to fit the room. Choose straight or curved rows, with each chair separate or “linked” together like in a movie theater. Multiple curving rows of seats let you accommodate more family and friends, with each viewer feeling like he or she has the best seat in the house.

Special Features. Each seat has a cup holder in each padded arm, and all recline to your favorite position. You’ll enjoy special Berkline options like PowerRecline, and TouchMotion™ single-touch recline. Our space-saving Wallaway® option lets you recline fully within just inches of a wall, and several of out home theater styles have an adjustable headrest that lets you customize your viewing position.

Boost The Experience With ButtKicker! If you want to feel like you’re a part
of the action, be sure to insist on ButtKicker technology in your Berkline recliner! Butt-Kicker is a built-in, silent sub-woofer that delivers a sound sensation you feel in the seat of your pants. It makes music and special effects come alive like never before!

NOW’S THE TIME TO GET INTO HOME THEATER!

Having a home theater is a great way to bring family and friends together. And now it's within reach — because home theater is priced for all kinds of budgets. You’ll find lots of “How To” information about home theater on the Internet, and your Berkline dealer will be glad to offer suggestions on setting up your theater. So forget about the Cineplex. The best seats in the house are in YOUR house: front row, center in your very own home theater!