More on Home Theater Remodeling: A Look Ahead

Football season's here, so it's a great time to start thinking about that out-of-date home theater system again. Fact is, home theater technology is moving faster than a halfback in the open field, and with new talk of crazy features like scent generators and light-syncing effects becomes reality, your remodeled basement might have a lot more to offer than your local movie theater.

Current Options

Whether you want your home theater to have leather recliners with built-in cup holders, soundproofing, or a minibar, you'll first and foremost want to cover the technological basics. Typical setups today include plasma or LCD monitors, Blu-ray or HD-DVD players, and HD audio surround sound. A good home contractor with experience in basement remodeling and home installation will be well-equipped to outfit your theater with the works.

Great Things to Come

Hard-hitting technological companies have recently been projecting innovations that would completely change the future of home entertainment. Microsoft, for one, has been developing a lighting track that would be included on future digital media, and would produce lighting effects in your theater that mimicked those taking place on screen, such as lightning flashes.

A communications company has already installed scent generators in various Japanese movie theaters. Ever since Hans Laube created "Scentovision" for the 1939 World's Fair, the concept of producing aromas during a film to immerse viewers on a sensory level has been experimented with, but not mastered or widely utilized.

Lastly, there is talk of a projection device called the Fogscreen that would display images on a fog curtain created with tap water and ultrasonic waves. Of course, we're talking about a hefty price tag for all of these new options, but maybe you're the type that can't put a price on the latest video technology; maybe you need to up the stakes for your next Super Bowl party; or maybe you could start charging your friends for screen time to make up the difference.

Making It Happen

Always remember to do your installation research when it comes to crafting your personal home theater, or to enlist the help of a home contracting professional; whether you decide to play it safe with standard devices, or opt to splurge on the latest video technology for bragging rights during Monday Night Football.