So you’ve decided to set-up your own personal entertainment service, and you probably have a lot of questions. It can seem like a lot of work to choose streaming services, devices and how you’d like it all physically set up in your home. Today we’re going to dive into the details to make getting your entertainment system and services up and running so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the hard work you put into making it just how you’d like it.
What Do You Want?
The first thing you need to consider if what you’re wanting as far as entertainment goes. Are you thinking of doing a full-blown home movie theater with a projector, surround sound and all the gadgets; or maybe you just want a nice sound system with a smooth music streaming service.
Also, consider the size of the space you’re working with. If you’re in a smaller room, you may want a soundbar instead of a speaker system. You may also need to check the specs on things like projectors to know that you have enough space for it to give it the best quality when displayed.
Once you figure out what you’re wanting to do with your space, make a list of what you’ll need. Include everything from service providers, a specific package you may want that includes your favorite channels, viewing on-demand, any electronic equipment like televisions or speakers and any physical equipment like an entertainment center or specific shelving.
Services
In 2019, most people stream the majority of their content. With the help of the internet and service providers, we have music, movies, books and more all at our fingertips. This can be an extremely important part of your set-up.
Once you’ve decided what kind of entertainment area you’re wanting in your home, picking the right services becomes much easier. We touched on it above, but if you’re wanting cable or satellite, look at the channel packages they have. Most carry packages for the movie buff, the sports addict and more. This does require more set-up on your behalf or paying for someone to install the service for you.
If cable or satellite isn’t your thing, there are still several options, including streaming services online. We all probably use a TV and Movie streaming service that allows us to watch our favorite shows and films.
This could be a service you may consider getting if your entertainment area includes a TV or screen of sorts. Having a service like this allows you to choose from several different movie and TV show titles that make for a great night in, especially with some freshly made popcorn.
On the topic of streaming services, there are multiple music streaming services available for you if your entertainment area is geared more towards the instrumental side of things. These services allow you to make playlists, pick specific songs you want to hear and help you to discover new music.
Of course, you can always have a radio equipped to play tapes, CDs and your local radio station, or a vintage turntable for vinyl could look really great in your entertainment area.
Lastly, in order to use nearly any of these things, you will need the internet. Having a great internet service provider is practically a must nowadays. That’s the only way you’ll be able to use any of the streaming services mentioned. If you’re wanting cable or satellite, consider looking into your provider’s bundles that include the internet.
Set-Up
Setting up your services can be a much easier task than it seems. Most companies offer to install services for you but that usually costs a bit extra and it’s often easy enough to do yourself and doesn’t take too much time.
Internet
Wi-Fi internet can be easily set up once you acquire a router which can be bought separately or you can rent one from the service provider. You simply plug the router into your wall, and into your computer (during set up only), the instruction guide you get will give you a website to then visit with step-by-step instructions. You’ll then be able to unplug the router from your computer and be able to use the internet wirelessly.
Cable
Cable is easily set-up if you follow a few instructions. You can start by simply plugging one end of the coaxial cable into the wall outlet and the other into your TV. This only applies if you don’t have a cable box if you do skip that step by plugging one end of the cable into the wall and one into the cable box.
You can then plug your other coaxial cable into the “cable out” labelled port on the box and the other end into your TV port labelled “antenna in”. Lastly, plug the cable box power cord into the wall and turn your TV on. Once the cable is being shown, use the box to change the channels, not your television.
Streaming Service Set-Up
When setting up a streaming service, it’s the easiest on this list by far. Generally, when you set up service for TV/Movie streaming or one for music streaming, it only takes an email and password to set your account up. But you may need to know how to get these on your screen or through your speakers.
If you have a smart TV, you’ll likely have the login available right on your computer, if not you may need to use a gaming console with an HDMI cord. If you’re using a projector, it may be Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for you to set up from your home page, if not you’re able to connect a laptop, phone or tablet to set-up your accounts.
Equipment
Now the equipment you have can really make a difference in your entertainment space. Some people prefer having massive flat-screen TVs, while others opt for a pull town screen that they pair with a projector. Maybe you need a great sound system and lights for the karaoke bar you’re building.
Whatever equipment you need, it’s important to compare products to each other so you really know what you’re getting for what you’re spending. Let’s dive a little deeper into the specifics for a few of the more popular entertainment equipment buys on the market right now.
Screens
Now when you made the list of everything you needed, if your entertainment space is for TV or movies, chances are you will need a screen. You can opt to use the wall as a screen in you’re going the projector route, but more on that later.
The screen you pick can make a big difference in image quality. Whenever you’re buying a TV you will generally see the following in the description and these are good features to consider:
- Length- How many inches wide the television is
- The Brand
- The Price
- If It’s A Smart TV
- Flat Screen or Curved
- If It’s HD
- Resolution Quality
- Built-In Sound System Quality
Some of these features are why it’s important to compare your options and know the space you have available. Having too large of a TV be great for viewing but can throw off the entire entertainment area if it’s the wrong size for space.
If you’re adding a projector to your entertainment area, consider a screen that pulls down from the ceiling. There are also options available where the screen is on a stand if you’re in a situation where you can’t drill into the ceiling and like mentioned before, a blank wall works great as a screen as well.
Speakers
Adding speakers can make a massive difference in your entertainment consumption experience. When you add something like surround sound, you’ll feel like you’re a part of whatever movie you’re watching. This is usually done by installing 2 speakers in front of the room and 2 behind where you’ll be sitting. Again, if you’re not able to drill into the walls, a sound bar can give a similar experience.
Final Words
Now you hopefully have a better idea of everything that goes into setting up your own home entertainment service and system. There is a lot more that goes into it than just choosing the hottest products on the market, even though that is a fun part of the job.
Remember to consider the size of your space so you know what equipment with work well in the area you have available. There are plenty of different products to choose from. The same goes with service providers. There are so many out there, you’re bound to find one that works best for whatever you’re needing, whether it’s a streaming service for music or a cable provider so you can watch your favorite shows.
Once you have your entertainment area complete, not only will you have a sense of accomplishment, you will be able to impress your friends, family and most you’ll be able to enjoy it yourself.