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How To Choose A Home Theater System Company

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What Are Some Things To Look For When Selecting A Home Theatre Company To Work With?

If you are thinking about adding a home theatre room or home theater system to your home...

Then this may be the most important squidoo page you have come to in a long time.

For you see...Not all home theater companies & installers are created equal. In fact if you are about to invest tens of thousands of dollars into designing a theatre room...you owe it to yourself to find out exactly what to look for.

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What Are A Few Things You Should Be Looking For In A Home Theater System Company?

Take the time to interview several audio / visual companies before selecting one to work with. Listen carefully & take notes as you talk with them. It come down to this...either take the time to find or pay the price of finding out later.

Do they carry an "unrestricted" state license to do low voltage work...or are they just designing & installing home theatre rooms anyway. (You would be suprised how many electricians & burglar alarm installers say they are certified. Remember an unrestricted electrical license is not the same as an unrestricted low voltage license. The same goes for a burglar alarm license...this is a "restricted" low voltage license limiting them to security systems only!) So you owe it to yourself not to settle for anything less than state licensed for "unrestricted" low voltage work.
What kind of insurance do they carry? What happens if they drop your $2,000 brand new plasma TV? Are they insured with general liability insurance for all of their workers...as well as workmans comp? Can you see an updated proof of insurance during the interview process? (Many companies charge "low ball" prices to win competitive bids...now you know how they can do that!)
Do they offer you the opportunity to check their references...or do you have to be the one to ask over and over again? Don't settle for phone refernces either. Many clients are proud to show you their new theater rooms. all you have to do is just ask!
Do they have a home theatre showroom that you can come and play with all of the latest home theater equipment yourself? Can you bring your favorite action packed DVD movies to hear them on the surround sound system? Can you bring your favorite CD's and listen to the audio over several speaker packages so you can see and feel the difference? While you are there do you feel comfortable talking to the consultants or do you feel sales pressure to spend more than you have in mind?
Will they offer you a complimentary home theater consultation...or will they CHARGE you for the privilege to show them what they can do for you? Did you know that may home theatre companies charge a $100.00 or more for giving them the opportunity to earn your business?
Ask them if they will install some of your equipment that you have purchased on your own? Or do they only do installations where they supply all of the equipment?
How flexable are they if you are a DIY kind of person? I mean will they work with you on partial design jobs like only prewiring your media room? Or just hanging and setting up your equipment?
Do they do small jobs? For example will they offer to hang a plasma or install your existing surround sound system?
Beware of sleazy sales tactics. Are they willing to work within your budget...or are they going to push a $50,000 or more theater on you? One way to find out is while checking their references. Don't be afraid tio ask about the sales process, and sales pressure. If they didn't like it they will be sure to tell you!
What about financing? Is special financing like 6 months same as cash for example? Or do they want all of the money right now?

Does it take time to do your homework while choosing a home theater company to work with?

Yes.

But in the end you will certainly be glad you did!

New Links Plexo

Here are a few industry links that might make your decision about hiring a home theater company a little easier.

How To Choose A Home Theater System Company

What Are Some Things To Look For When Selecting A Home Theatre Company To Work With?

Contents at a Glance

Books On Home Theater Design & Installation

New Make A List

What Are A Few Things You Should Be Looking For In A Home Theater System Company?

New Links Plexo

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