Really, It Will Save Money!

by Andrew Seltz

Are you trying to convince a roommate/parent/significant-other about the wisdom of getting a home theater system? Well I'm here to help.

Do the math on the Cost-O-Meter and see for yourself exactly how much money you spend at your local cineplex every year. When I plugged in a few numbers I was shocked at how quickly the total reached into the thousands for an avid movie-goer. The Cost-O-Meter makes a good case for getting a home theater and it doesn't even factor in all the benefits of having your own digital home theater. Let's look at some of the benefits.

Home Theater Benefits

• Reduced Movie Ticket and Concession Expenses
• Reduced Travel Time and Fuel Costs to and from Theaters
• No More Rowdy Teens or Cellphones During Movies
• New Gathering Place for Friends and Family
• Comfortable Environment Designed Around You
• Potential Increase in the Value of Your Home

If you already spend a big chunk of money going to the movies, it's pretty easy to see the benefits of applying the cash toward your own home theater. Go to the movies a couple times a month, bring another person or two with you, buy popcorn and sodas and some nachos, and inside of 12 months you've spent enough to by a video projector (movie tickets go for more than $10 each were I live.) If you usually go to a theater that's in a mall, the reduced temptation to shop could save even more money. And, if you spend more time at home, you are likely to eat out less and spend less money on transportation - even more potential savings.

The explosion of portable digital gadgets has made public rudeness a new epidemic. In the past, you only had to deal with the occasional person talking during a movie. These days, cellphones ring (ring is used loosely, usually they blast out some awful pop song at top volume), people tap away sending text messages to their friends, and worse. I've been to movies where someone actually answered the phone and talked during the movie. If someone starts annoying you while you're watching a movie at home, you can kick them out - it's your house!

A home theater will create a new gathering place for family and friends. You'll transform having people over to 'watch TV' into an event. You can start the show when it's convenient for you. You can hang out afterwards to discuss the movie. You can take turns bringing snacks or dinner (people will actually bring over food when you invite them to a movie night.) You design the theater, so you can have tables and chairs and make it a dinner theater, put in comfy couches and recliners, or buy some theater-style seats and replicate the movie theater experience.

We Are Talking About Home Theater Here

It's important to note that most of the benefits mentioned will only happen if you create a formal home theater space. Just buying a big TV and surround sound for the den won't change things much. If you are sitting in the middle of your house while you watch a movie, the experience will be ordinary. You'll still want to get out of the house, and there goes all the money you saved on entertainment. Your daily life will intrude on your theater space and turn it into a big-screen TV instead of a Home Theater. You also won't see any change in the value of your home.

At this point in time, having a digital home theater doesn't add much value to a home. Nobody wants your old TV and stereo. Potential buyers will likely already have their own equipment. But, if you take a previously unfinished area (like a basement or attic) and build it into a comfortable living space which could be easily converted to other uses, the money spent on construction will be more likely to ad real value when you sell.

Build It - They Will Come

If you've got to convince someone of the value of building a home theater, don't hold back. Break out your blueprints. Make a real theater space and all of the benefits I've discussed (and more) are coming your way!

Dream Big!

About The Author

Andrew Seltz is a Go-To Guy. When people need something done, he's the first person they call. His experiences with film, video, and talking people into spending money have fueled his interest in home theater. For more insights into home theaters and more visit he site: www.AndrewSeltz.com.