Many On Way To Owning Home Theater

The term “home theater” might give you visions of family and friends perched in a dozen theater-style chairs, munching popcorn as they watch a big screen in a special room.

But most home theaters are not high-end affairs. The major components - the TV and hi-fi/ stereo VCR already exist in most homes. Even if you can barely program your VCR, you can set up your own theater.

Nearly 80 percent of the nation’s home-theater owners have installed the equipment themselves, according to the Electronic Industries Association. More than 4.2 million American families have a home theater, according to the association.

“To fully understand home theater, you need to understand ‘surround sound,”’ says Gary Shapiro, vice president of the association. Dolby Surround Sound has been in movie theaters for years, but it’s been available in homes only during the past few years. Here’s a question-and-answer with the association on home theaters:

Q. What is a home theater?

A. It’s a combination of audio and video equipment that allows people to replicate the movie-theater experience in their homes.

Q. What do you mean by “replicate”?

A. The best movie theaters have sophisticated sound systems. Dialogue comes from the front, and music and special effects from the rear. This is called surround sound. Combined with a large-screen TV set, this replicates the movie-theater experience.

Q. What components go into a home theater?

A. A TV set that has a screen 25 inches or larger, an audio-video receiver with surround-sound capability, at least four speakers, and a hi-fi/-stereo VCR or laser disc player.

Q. Does a large-screen TV set with built-in stereo constitute a home theater?

A. No. If it does not have surround sound, it does not replicate a movie theater.

Q. What does a home theater cost?

A. Typically, about $3,000. It is possible, though, to spend about half that much and still have a good home theater.