TV & Home Entertainment Setup Guide

Creating an optimal home entertainment space enhances your viewing experience and transforms your living room into a personal cinema. This guide covers everything from TV selection to perfect placement.

Choosing the Right TV

TV Size Guide

Distance from TV determines size:

• 6 feet away: 40-50” TV
• 8 feet away: 50-65” TV
• 10 feet away: 65-75” TV
• 12+ feet away: 75”+ TV

Rule of thumb: TV width should be about 1/3 to 1/2 of viewing distance.

Display Technology

OLED

• Best picture quality
• Perfect blacks
• Excellent for dark rooms
• More expensive
• Risk of burn-in

QLED

• Bright displays
• Good for bright rooms
• No burn-in risk
• More affordable
• Not as deep blacks as OLED

LED/LCD

• Most affordable
• Good brightness
• Widely available
• Decent performance
• Budget-friendly

Resolution

4K (UHD)

• Standard for most TVs now
• Excellent detail
• Future-proof
• Plenty of content available

8K

• Cutting edge
• Very expensive
• Limited content
• Only worth it for 75”+ TVs

Features to Consider

• HDR (High Dynamic Range): Better contrast and colors
• Refresh rate: 120Hz for sports/gaming
• HDMI 2.1: For gaming consoles
• Smart TV platform: Roku, Google TV, webOS
• Voice control: Alexa, Google Assistant
• Number of HDMI ports: At least 3-4

TV Placement

Mounting Height

Ideal eye level:

• Center of TV at seated eye level (42-48” from floor)
• Bottom of TV typically 24-30” from floor
• Tilt TV 5-15° if mounted higher

Viewing Angle

• Direct view is best
• Avoid angles over 30°
• Consider viewing from all seating positions

Wall Mounting vs. TV Stand

Wall Mounting Pros:

• Saves floor space
• Clean, modern look
• Better viewing height
• Childproof

Wall Mounting Cons:

• Permanent installation
• Requires studs or anchors
• Cable management needed

TV Stand Pros:

• Flexible placement
• Easy to move
• Built-in storage
• No wall damage

TV Stand Cons:

• Takes floor space
• Can be wobbly
• Child safety concerns

Cable Management

Hide those wires:

1. In-Wall Cable Kit

   • Cleanest solution
   • Requires wall access
   • Professional installation recommended

2. Cable Raceways

   • Paintable covers
   • Easy DIY install
   • Visible but neat

3. Behind Furniture

   • Simple solution
   • Works with stands
   • Use cable ties

4. Wireless Options

   • Wireless HDMI transmitters
   • Streaming devices
   • Reduces cables significantly

Audio Setup

TV Speakers

Pros:

• No extra cost
• Simple setup
• All-in-one

Cons:

• Poor sound quality
• Lack bass
• Not immersive

Soundbar

Best for most people

Entry Level ($150-$300):

• Better than TV speakers
• Simple setup
• Compact

Mid-Range ($300-$800):

• Subwoofer included
• Virtual surround sound
• Good bass

High-End ($800+):

• Rear speakers included
• True surround sound
• Dolby Atmos

Full Surround Sound

5.1 or 7.1 System

Pros:

• Best sound quality
• True surround experience
• Customizable

Cons:

• Complex setup
• Multiple speakers
• More expensive
• Requires receiver

Speaker Placement

Soundbar:

• Below or above TV
• Centered
• Unobstructed

Surround System:

• Front left/right: 22-30° from center
• Center: Below/above TV
• Surround: 90-110° from center
• Subwoofer: Corner or along wall

Streaming Devices

Even smart TVs benefit from dedicated streamers:

Roku

• User-friendly
• Lots of apps
• Affordable
• Universal search

Apple TV 4K

• Best for Apple ecosystem
• Premium experience
• Gaming capable
• More expensive

Fire TV

• Amazon integrated
• Alexa voice control
• Affordable
• Good selection

Chromecast/Google TV

• Google Assistant
• Cast from phone
• Good interface
• Affordable

Gaming Setup

Considerations:

Input Lag:

• Under 20ms ideal
• Gaming mode reduces lag
• Important for competitive gaming

Refresh Rate:

• 120Hz for next-gen consoles
• Smooth motion
• Better responsiveness

HDMI 2.1:

• Required for 4K 120fps
• Variable refresh rate
• Auto low latency mode

Display Type:

• OLED for best picture
• QLED for brightness
• Avoid excessive burn-in risk

Lighting

Natural Light

Problems:

• Glare on screen
• Washed out image
• Eye strain

Solutions:

• Blackout curtains
• Sheer curtains
• Window shades
• Reposition TV

Artificial Lighting

Ideal Setup:

• Dimmable lights
• Indirect/ambient lighting
• Avoid lights behind TV
• Bias lighting behind TV (reduces eye strain)

Bias Lighting:

• LED strip behind TV
• 6500K color temperature
• Reduces eye fatigue
• Better perceived contrast

Room Layout

Seating Arrangement

Distance:

• Maintain proper viewing distance
• Consider multiple seating areas
• Ensure unobstructed views

Seating Position:

• Center seats best
• Side seats within 30° angle
• Tiered seating for large rooms

Furniture Placement

• Avoid blocking speakers
• Keep pathways clear
• Consider TV height from all seats
• Storage for equipment and media

Smart Home Integration

Voice Control

Control TV with:

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Assistant
• Apple Siri (via Apple TV)
• Samsung Bixby

Automation

• Lights dim when playing
• Curtains close automatically
• Audio adjusts by content type
• Universal remotes

Common Mistakes

1. TV Too High

   • Causes neck strain
   • Mount at proper height

2. Wrong Size

   • Measure distance first
   • Bigger often better

3. Ignoring Audio

   • Invest in sound
   • Soundbar minimum

4. Poor Cable Management

   • Plan before mounting
   • Use proper tools

5. Bad Lighting

   • Control natural light
   • Add bias lighting

6. Forgetting Power

   • Need outlets for everything
   • Plan for surge protection

7. Impulse Buying

   • Research first
   • Compare options

Maintenance

Weekly:

• Dust screen gently
• Check cable connections
• Tidy entertainment center

Monthly:

• Update software/apps
• Check for firmware updates
• Clean vents

As Needed:

• Calibrate picture settings
• Reorganize cables
• Clean remote

Budget Planning

Basic Setup ($800-$1,500):

• 50-55” 4K TV
• Basic soundbar
• Streaming device
• Simple mount or stand

Mid-Range ($1,500-$3,000):

• 65” 4K TV with good HDR
• Soundbar with subwoofer
• Quality streaming device
• Professional mounting

Premium ($3,000-$6,000+):

• 75”+ OLED TV
• Full surround system
• Multiple streaming options
• Professional installation
• Smart home integration

Future-Proofing

Ensure longevity:

• Buy slightly bigger than needed
• 4K minimum
• HDMI 2.1 ports
• HDR support
• 120Hz refresh rate (gaming)
• Smart platform with app support

Final Thoughts

The perfect entertainment setup balances picture quality, sound, comfort, and budget. Start with the TV, add a soundbar, and build from there.

Don’t overthink it—even basic improvements over TV speakers and proper placement make a huge difference. Focus on what matters most for your viewing habits.

Most importantly, create a space where you’ll actually want to spend time. The best home theater is the one you use and enjoy every day.