What is Home Cinema?
An example Home Cinema system may consist of the following 5 items:-
- Screen: E.g. TIMEUK Omega 610 42" plasma screen
- Video/Audio Sources: E.g. TimeUK DVD player/recorder & SKY Digital Box
- Amp: E.g. TimeUK A-V Amplifier
- Speaker System: E.g. TimeUK 5.1 surround sound system
- Furniture & Accessories: E.g. TimeUK Plasma Table & HDMI Leads
Below is a basic overview of the main parts of a Home Cinema System.
1. Screen
a. PLASMA or LCD
The heart of a Home Cinema system is the screen. There are two main types- PLASMA or LCD.
Plasma Screen : Plasma screens are currently the most popular option due the sheer screen size and picture quality that this technology can deliver. Over 90% of screen purchases are 42" which is by far the most popular size, but larger screens are becoming more popular e.g. 50" and even 63".
LCD Screen : The typical LCD screen size is 32", however 37”, 40”, 46” and larger LCD screens are also available. LCD TVs are ideal for connecting to a Media Centre or for small size use (e.g. 20”, 27”). For TV or DVD uses, Plasma TVs offer far greater value as the size is larger, picture is brighter, contrast higher and size for size cost is lower.
b. HIGH DEFINITION - HD READY
Screens are of three type:- Standard Definition, HD Compatible and HD Ready
Standard Definition: All normal UK TVs are Standard Definition (480 lines). Such LCDs and Plasmas usually have a standard pixel resolution and may not have component video, DVI or HDMI inputs (typically use standard Arial or analogue SCART inputs) . They can not display HD signals (normally broadcast in 1080i or 720p format). Such screens can not even display future HD broadcasts such as SKY Digital HD in standard definition.
HD Compatible: Such LCD and Plasmas usually have a standard pixel resolution (e.g. 852 x 480) but do have component video, DVI or HDMI inputs and have HDCP (High Definition Content Protocol). They are able to display an HD signal although this is displayed at standard definition. Such screens will display any future HD broadcasts such as SKY Digital HD but only at standard definition and are not HD Ready.
HD Ready: Such LCD and Plasmas usually have a higher pixel resolution (e.g. 1024 x 768) and have component video, DVI or HDMI inputs and have HDCP (High Definition Content Protocol). They are able to display an HD signal at full HD definition. Such screens are the best buys and carry the HD Ready logo. These are recommended for use with HD broadcasts such as SKY Digital HD.
The HDMI port is the best port to have on a large screen. This is like a ‘Digital HD SCART’ and carries both high definition digital video and digital audio. DVI is compatible with HDMI but does not carry the audio signal which would thus need separate cables from the source to the screen speakers.
Typical item: 42" Plasma Screen.
2. Video/Audio Sources
This is the main system that feeds the screen and may consist of several sources.
- DVD Player
- DVD Recorder
- SKY Digital
- SKY Digital HD Box
- Freeview Tuner
- Media Centre PC
- Typically this would include a Digital Tuner (SKY, SKY HD Box or Freeview) and DVD player and connect to the screen using SCART leads or DVI/ HDMI cables
3. Amplifier/Receiver
Try as it might, stereo sound is never going to cut it if you are aiming to recreate a true cinema experience in your home. The first step toward creating an audio delight is purchasing a decent surround sound audio amplifier.
Amplifiers these days usually combine decoding, amplification and Radio receiver. They decode and amplify the sound signal and feed this to the surround sound system. Most amplifiers also have video inputs and outputs to allow you to combine the various video sources and act as a video switch. In such a configuration, one remote control could be set-up to control most of your Home Cinema system.
4. Speaker System
There is no point in having an amp without the speaker system to deliver the surround sound; therefore it is important that you pick speakers that are going to finish the job properly.
Modern surround systems consist of 3 main components; a centre speaker, a subwoofer and front / rear speakers. 6.1 and 7.1 systems also include rear centres.
5. Furniture and Accessories
The correct furniture is also an essential part of the Home Cinema system. Not only does using cheap furniture look wrong, it can also detract from the performance caused by vibration. The kit that drives the sound system in your local cinema is not mounted on shoddy shelving - so treat your equipment with the same respect. E.g. a good quality Plasma Table would be essential for a Plasma screen.
Likewise, the manner in which your Home Cinema system is assembled will also affect the overall performance. All TimeUK.COM systems come with a number of ports for ultimate connectivity, however, it is extremely important that you use the correct ports and cables to produce the best quality. For more information, please refer to 'How to Set-Up HC'.