by SANIBEL CHAI

Everything You Need to Build a DIY Home Theater

Elite Motorized Screen 100-Inch

If you’re at all worried that after buying all this equipment, it will be inconvenient or a pain to load, fear not. My whole setup takes only one minute to warm up and is even quicker to power down. I opted for this motorized screen because being able to bring the screen down and up with a button adds an extra-professional touch that I appreciate.

Optoma HD146X High Performance Projector

This model from Optoma is a great entry-level projector that works well if you don’t have blackout shades and intend to use it in the presence of some ambient light.

Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 4K PRO-UHD

The extra investment may be worth it because, in addition to the added enjoyment factor, you’ll probably find that watching your projector causes less strain on your eyes because you’re watching reflected light, as opposed to a television that emits light at you.

Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System

With the number of speakers included in this set, you’ll be able to place some behind you and to the side, as well as in front for the audio experience that the filmmakers intended.

Denon AVR-S570BT Receiver

A receiver allows you to toggle between multiple sources (Apple TV, Nintendo Switch, BluRay Player, etc.) and to switch between a TV and projector with minimal effort. It also allows you to play audio from all sources on one set of speakers.

Bose TV Speaker

This speaker from Bose has over 5,000 five-star ratings from Amazon reviewers and is lauded for its extra-crisp sound. The slim profile (2.21″ H x 23.38″ W x 4.02″ D) makes it easy to fit on a console table or mount to the wall.

I sought out the expertise of cinematographer and film professor Tal Lazar, who has been involved in countless film productions, including Every Time I Die. With his help, I selected the appropriate projector, screen and more for my setup. Lazar says, “A lot of the choices that filmmakers take time and effort to design for an audience are lost when people are not watching movies in their intended setting.”

Our goal here is simple:  to help you live a more adventurous,  eventful and engaging life.