How to save money on a home theatre

Sometimes, you just need a place to get away from it all. And that get-away-from-it-all place does not have to be some remote location in the Outback where Internet access is as likely as coming across another human. It can be as simple as creating a “leave me alone” mindset with a home theatre.

But what about the costs? The range of investment is vast, and you may be assuming you don’t have the extracurricular budget to build a separate blacked out room tricked out with projectors, movie theatre recliners, and top of the line electronics. How much are you willing to spend to watch your favorite shows and listen to your always updated music playlist? You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to create a home theatre. You just have to know how to save money on a home theatre project.

Know What You Want

A home theatre does not have to include a system that produces the same type of visual and audio quality that you get when you attend a live concert or watch a movie at a local cinema. You can install a modestly priced home theatre if you decide what you want in an entertainment system.

Ask these questions to save money on a home theatre.

• How will you spend most of your time?
• Does the size of viewing images matter?
• Do you want to make the Internet a part of your home theatre?
• How many people will spend time in the room at one time?
• Are you willing to buy off-brand components?
• Will you upgrade or start from scratch?

Space

One of the concerns for people building a home theater is there is the potential for plenty of stacks, speakers, and more. And, while a great home theater will eventually have all that and more, storage is going to be a big focus. 

Look at some of the other home theaters you can find online for how they store their parts. Are speakers going wall-mounted or on a stand? And further to that, and as a side safety note, a cable storage organizer will not only look neat, but it will prevent trips. 

The smart usage of space isn’t just about organization, though; it can be one of the biggest impacts on how the room comes together.

Upgrade…for Now

Consider upgrading one or more components and/or adding a component to your home theatre to bridge the gap between an old system and buying a new system.

Here are some of the ways to upgrade while not busting the monthly budget:

• Add a display device
• Change out speakers
• Sign up for a comprehensive streaming service
• Install a storage rack for CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays
• Install more seats

Here are some other tips to help you shop like a pro for a home theatre system:

• Conduct extensive research
• Do not buy every component at the same time
• Develop a realistic budget
• Understand return policies
• Read every advertisement carefully
• Consider purchasing extended service
• Understand the rules for buying online
• Buy accessories in bulk

imit Your Spending on Accessories

It is not just electronic components that can send your home theatre budget through the roof. You also have to consider paying for accessories such as wires, cables, a surge protector, and a universal remote. Paying for unnecessary accessories can negate any smart shopping that you did for the electronic components that make up your home theatre system. Do you really need a universal remote and HDMI cables that can run more than $100 per order?

Buy Refurbished Electronic Components

When you think about buying a refurbished product, you probably think more about the stigma of buying the refurbished product than the product itself. Think used cars. However, buying a refurbished electronic component means different things to different people. You can find electronic components that look brand new while inside, there are a few components that have undergone significant work. If you decide to go the refurbished route, make sure to buy the electronic components from a reputable dealer.

Long-Term Costs Matter

You can follow every tip on how to save money on a home theatre and end up spending much more than you planned to spend. This is because you didn’t consider the long-term costs that are associated with a home theatre system. For example, the average price of a DVD is much less than the average price of a Blu-ray disc.

Here are some other long-term costs that can bust your home theatre budget:

• Cable fee
• Satellite fee
• Pay-per-view fees
• Internet streaming fee
• Replacement of video projector lamp

Shop Like a Pro

Buying a home theatre can be a sound investment if you shop smart. First, buy electronic components that deliver value, not necessarily the cheapest electronic components that are available for sale. For example, buying electronic components that provide years of entertainment matters more than the price tag on each component. Second, you have to be comfortable with any home theatre component that you purchase. Buyer’s remorse is not the way to handle the installation of a home theatre system.

Shop at Independent Retailers

Big box electronics retailers like to boast about the savings that they pass on to customers. However, the reality is you might find better deals on electronic components and accessories by shopping at a local independent store. Independent retailers do not have the financial advantage of receiving discounts for large purchases. However, they beat their larger counterparts by having to pay less for labor and overhead.

The Bottom Line

Saving money on a home theatre system is much more than cutting out coupons and waiting in line for the doors to open for a big sale. It is more about shopping smart and taking your time building a home theatre system that lasts you for years, if not decades.