Where to place all that gear, how to connect it, the skinny on screens, and where to park your tush when you're done.

Buying all that audio and video gear is great, but where are you going to put it all? And what are you going to sit in, especially if you're building a new room such as a media room or home theater? You also need to connect all that equipment and your speakers, so you'll need the right cables for that. And if you have a front-projection system or one in mind, you'll need a front projection screen to go with it.

You can store your equipment in a furniture-like cabinet built expressly for home entertainment centers, place your components in out-of-the-way racks that can pull out of closets for servicing, or use high-tech-looking audio and video stands for both your components and your video monitor, even hiding your wires.

Sorting through the web of audio and video cables is being made easier as well with new, high-bandwidth connectors and cables that send both audio and video. But there are still a variety of different cables and wires to use.

Oft-overlooked video screens used with front-projection systems are vitally important as well. You can have motorized or fixed screens, different size screens and different fabrics. Not all are made the same, and the difference will be seen in the video image. Neither are home theater chairs made equally. Motorized and massage loungers are available, and you need to know some basics before sinking "comfortably" into a bad purchase.

Audio/Video Furniture

Let's start with a place to store the gear. There are a variety of ways you can go here, and your decision will largely depend on your taste and the level of functionality you desire. Do you want your audio/video and other components visible and out in the open, or do you want them hidden? Do you want to be able to access them easily, to change components and the wiring? Do you want a high-tech look or traditional cabinetry? Answer these simple questions, and you've narrowed your search considerably.

If you're intent on hiding that rack of components, there are rack systems designed just for this purpose, and many pull or slide out easily, so you or an electronic professional can tend to the wires and connections in the back. These types of racks can be placed in closets, wall recesses, or even cabinetry, sometimes custom-designed as a large bookshelf and cabinetry around your video monitor or screen area. They often house the speakers as well.

Some custom and ready-made home entertainment cabinets also come with storage for CDs and DVDs, sometimes hidden cleverly behind moldings. Many different looks and finishes are available. Measure your available space carefully for size, try to gauge solid build quality, and check to see if the depth of the cabinet will accommodate any TVs or cabinets you have in mind. Also check for wiring channels through the back of the units, or from shelf to shelf or compartment to compartment.

If you want a high-tech look and don't mind the components being seen, many companies make audio/video racks and shelving units. Some units also have stands for flat-panel video monitors, and channels in which to route the wires so none are visible. Check for sturdy build quality, enough space for all your components, and any damping if glass or metal is used.

Cables and Wires

Once you have all those components lined up in your spiffy new audio/video rack or cabinet, it's time to hook 'em up. There are a variety of ways to do that—and a myriad of wires and cables to confound and confuse you.

Speaker wire/cable
Don't buy the cheap stuff at the hardware store. Most recommendations call for 16-gauge speaker wire or a lower number: the lower the gauge, the higher the conductor inside. Multiroom audio systems where some speakers may be a distance from the amplifier may require 14- or 12-gauge wire. A number of different connector types are available, from plug-in RCA cables to "banana plugs" to a "spade lug" that wraps around a post. Check the connections on your equipment and speakers to see what connectors you'll need. You may also want to look for shielded speaker cables if there are power cords nearby.

HDMI
The new high-definition multimedia interface cable transmits high-definition video signals and surround-sound audio in one wire. HDMI connectors are becoming available on HDTVs and higher-end DVD players and audio/video controllers. If you can buy components with HDMI, do so, and get the cables as well.

DVI
Digital Visual Interface cables can transmit high-definition video signals, and are compatible with the newer HDMI by using a small adapter.

Component video
This uses three separate wires, and outside of the HDMI, DVI and RGB used on some front projectors, component is considered the best way to transmit video. Many audio/video devices and TVs now come with component video connections. S-Video offers the next best video resolution, and composite video the least.

Optical Digital
If you're connecting a DVD player to a receiver and each has an optical audio or TosLink connection, purchase the appropriate cable and use it. It will give you a better, cleaner audio signal than traditional RCA-type connectors.

RF/Cable connections
These cables commonly attach to your TV, VCR or other device from a cable system via an "F" connector, with the familiar pin in the middle of a screw thread. They carry video and audio. Seek higher-grade RG-6-rated video cable to hook up from a cable system or the like.

FireWire
Also known as "IEEE 1394" or "i.Link," these connectors and cables are useful for data and recording high-definition video, with a Digital VHS player (D-VHS), for example. HDTVs are starting to come with these connections for this purpose.

Screens

Front-projection screens are either affixed permanently to the wall or frame, or motorized to roll down from the ceiling and roll up when not in use. Some screen manufacturers offer masking systems that alter the screen's shape (aspect ratio). An important performance factor is called "gain." Some screen materials will reflect light uniformly in all directions. When a screen does this, it is said to have "no gain." Choose a screen with a gain of 1.3 or less to ensure that your movies look top-notch. Acoustically transparent or "perforated" screens have tiny holes in the screen that allow the speakers to be placed behind them and sound to come through, with a slight compromise in audio and video quality.

Home Theater Seating

Finally, finally, you can rest your tired body, maybe even put your feet up, press a button and enjoy a movie or your favorite show.

But what to sit in? Many types of seating specifically designed for home theaters and media rooms are available, from traditional theater-like seating, to lounge chairs in leather and fabrics and colors of your choice.

Many of the lounger-type seats have motorized controls to allow your head to recline with your feet raised. Check how loud the motors are in these, because you won't want them whirring away during a movie whenever someone adjusts a seat. And yes, some companies even sell massage loungers. Again, check the noise and vibration factors.

Also keep in mind that while a headrest can be great for your head, it's lousy for your enjoyment of surround sound if speakers are on the sides or in back of you.

Most importantly, check for build quality and comfort. Some chairs have wooden frames, others metal. And don't opt for the first chair that you can sink into like a cloud. You're going to be parked in these chairs for a couple of hours at a time, so as with a good mattress, soft and fluffy works for only a short period. Seek a firm but comfortable cushion that will be treat your tush right over time.

Other Cool Stuff

If you're doing a dedicated home theater or media room, think of adding antique-like popcorn carts, framed and lit movie posters, and fiber-optic lighting to mark pathways, stairs or riser steps. These are just a few added amenities that can make your home entertainment room that much more enjoyable.

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