Going to the movies is great fun and all, but sometimes a cosy night in is exactly what you need. This handy guide will help you pull together a home theatre system that creates a cinema-like experience in your very own living room. All that’s left is to stock up on the popcorn and choc tops.

Start With a Big Screen

A big screen with excellent features, like preloaded streaming apps, makes home theatre setup simple.

First things first… You’ll need a big screen TV or a large monitor to display your favourite films. The Blaupunkt Android TV can easily access apps like Netflix and YouTube, plus the built-in Google Assistant has voice control functions, so you can sit back and relax without lifting a finger. Serious about your home theatre? Go for the 65-inch 4K UHD screen (with a resolution of 3840 x 2160). If your media room is a little smaller, there’s also a 50-inch version. 

A Samsung Smart Monitor is a great addition to any home theatre setup. The visuals are top-notch (especially the 4K UHD models) and there’s no need to have it hooked up to your PC; these smart Samsung monitors have a built-in entertainment system so you can access your favourite streaming and gaming apps easily. 

Another option? A computer monitor that’s designed to showcase whizz-bang gaming graphics. You can mount the LG 31.5'' Business Monitor, with its enhanced colour and top picture quality, on a wall. Alternatively, the LG 34" 2K QHD 1MS 160Hz Gaming Monitor features a curved ultra-wide screen that’s really immersive, so you’ll feel as though you’re actually flying the Millennium Falcon or stepping into the lush world of Pandora.

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Turn Up the Soundbar

Install a soundbar in your media room to create a surround sound experience at home.‍

Pump up the volume of your home theatre with a soundbar connected to your screen. Why soundbars? Well, compared to what comes from your TV, they produce way better clarity of sound, and, unlike the old-school left and right box-style speakers, they look sleek and are easy to set up. If you’ve never tried one before, you’re sure to be wowed.

The JBL 2 Channel Soundbar offers wireless Bluetooth connectivity, and has Dolby Digital and two channel audio capabilities, making it so immersive, you’ll be jumping out of your seat whenever there’s a car crash on the screen. 

For something even more budget-friendly, try the Qudo Wireless Soundbar for a sleek-looking speaker that produces high-quality sound. 

Another fab option is the Sony Soundbar, which delivers impressive bass on top of a lot of other features – S-Force Front Surround, slim profile, plus bluetooth connectivity so you can stream your favourite tunes when you’re not watching flicks – you’d expect from a Sony speaker.

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Add a Media Player

Choose a media player for your home theatre to make streaming simple or even record live TV.

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Take the headache and hard work out of finding something to watch, with a clever all-in-one media player. 

The tiny Apple TV brings together your fave streaming apps you’ve subscribed to, including Disney+, Binge, Prime Video, Netflix and Stan. You’ll also get access to Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music, as well as Apple TV+ original movies and TV series like Ted Lasso and Severance. Not only can you watch them all in high definition, but it also comes with a Siri Remote, with a touch-enabled click pad and voice control.

Alternatively, Chromecast with Google TV plugs directly into your TV set. Use your voice to activate Google Assistant and you’ll instantly find award-winning movies and TV shows from any of the streaming sites to which you subscribe. 

Another winner is the Laser Set Top Box – it tunes into digital TV channels, supports playback from a USB flash drive and lets you record from live TV to a flash or hard drive.

What To Try

SEE ALSO: Connect 101: How to Connect Google Chromecast

What About a Home Projector?

Keen to give IMAX a run for its money? Invest in a proper home projector and screen for your home theatre setup and you’ll create a personal cinema experience to rival Cannes or Sundance. It’s the perfect option if you have tons of wall space, plus, if you’re going really big – say, 100 inches or more – a home projector costs considerably less than an equivalent big screen TV. On the other hand, you need to have your projector and screen in a room where there is little to no ambient light to get the best viewing experience.

The Epson WXGA Portable Projector boasts a host of high-tech features, including 3000 lumens brightness (that will help if the aforementioned ambient light is an issue) and 1280 x 800 dpi resolution. This gives it the 16:10 aspect ratio most commonly associated with wide-screen viewing. It’s also light and super slim, perfect for taking along on holidays or pulling out at parties. 

The tiny Anker Nebula Pocket Portable Wireless Projector is the same size as a can of soft drink and has a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to four hours. Use it to mirror your phone’s screen or play content from video streaming apps. If your home theatre isn’t a permanent fixture, or you want to get friends together for a backyard movie night, this is an excellent option. 

To really make your space feel more home-theatre like, team any of these projectors with a screen, such as this motorised Brateck one – which slides discreetly away at the touch of a button – or a more old school tripod-style screen. 

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Don’t Forget the Movie Snacks 

What’s a movie night without a tasty treat or two? Stock up on your favourite savoury movie snacks, like Shapes, Twisties or Red Rock Deli Chips. Wash them down with a refreshing glass of sparkling water or a homemade soft drink. This is where having a SodaStream at your place really comes in handy. 

Got a sweet tooth? Bulk bags of Allen's Freckles or cute Allen's Retro Party Mix Travel Cups will totally satisfy any sugar craving and keep the movie snacks flowing all feature. 

On a chilly night, curl up on the couch with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and press play on a classic feel-good flick like When Harry Met Sally or Legally Blonde.

What To Try

SEE ALSO: Connect 101: How to Set up and Connect a Smart Home

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