A perfect home theater is about more than the screen. Learn how color schemes, furniture placement, and sound design impact your viewing experience. 

When it comes to the ultimate home theater, the magic doesn&rsquo;t just happen on screen&mdash;it&rsquo;s all about what&rsquo;s off-screen too. From the colors on your walls to where you place your recliners, every little detail sets the stage for how you experience the action. The perfect movie night isn&rsquo;t just about the popcorn (although that helps)&mdash;it&rsquo;s about creating an environment so immersive that you forget you&rsquo;re still at home!
So, grab your director&rsquo;s chair because we&rsquo;re diving into how the right design transforms an average home theater into one that&rsquo;s pure blockbuster-worthy.
<h2>1. Color Psychology: Set the Mood</h2>
Bright or light-colored walls reflect light, which distracts from the screen and breaks immersion. Instead, opt for dark, matte colors like charcoal, navy, or black. These shades absorb light, creating that cozy, cinematic vibe.

<figure class="dsg-bg-box">
 <blockquote>
Pro Tip:
 
Add subtle wall textures or patterns for a sophisticated look without distracting from the movie. 
 </blockquote>
</figure>
 
<img alt="home theater seating in dark room" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_1.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
<h2>2. Sound Design: Hear Every Detail</h2>
Sound isn&rsquo;t just part of the experience&mdash;it is the experience. Poor acoustics can make dialogue hard to follow and explosions underwhelming.
How to fix it?
<ul>
<li>Install acoustic panels to reduce echoes.</li>
<li>Add carpeted floors and soft furnishings to prevent sound from bouncing.</li>
<li>Position speakers properly: front speakers align with the screen, while surround speakers sit slightly behind you for an immersive soundstage.</li>
</ul>
With these tweaks, you&rsquo;ll feel every whisper, every explosion, and every crescendo.
<img alt="luxury home theater with speakers" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_2.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
<h2>3. Lighting: Set the Tone</h2>
Lighting is all about balance. Too bright, and it pulls you out of the scene. Too dark, and you&rsquo;re fumbling for your snacks or&mdash;worse&mdash;tripping over the dog.
Here&rsquo;s the winning setup:
<ul>
<li>Install dimmable LED lights with warm tones to set a cozy mood.</li>
<li>Consider LED strip lighting under seats or along walls for a soft, ambient glow.</li>
<li>Use blackout shades or motorized drapes to keep natural light from intruding.</li>
</ul>
Want to impress? Integrate smart lighting controls so you can dim the room with a single tap or voice command as soon as the opening credits start rolling. It&rsquo;s convenience and ambiance all in one!
<h2>4. Seating: Comfort Meets Perfect Placement</h2>
Seating isn&rsquo;t just about kicking back&mdash;it&rsquo;s about creating the best seat in the house for everyone.
The Rule of Thumb:
<ul>
<li>Position your seats at a distance that&rsquo;s 1.5 to 2.5 times the size of the screen. For a 100-inch screen, that&rsquo;s roughly 12 to 18 feet.</li>
<li>Arrange seats in a tiered setup if space allows. It&rsquo;s how you ensure unobstructed views for everyone (and no neck craning).</li>
</ul>
And don&rsquo;t forget comfort! Reclining chairs with armrests, cup holders, and just the right amount of plush make it easy to settle in for the long haul&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s a movie marathon or a two-hour epic.
<img alt="home theater with seating tilted and tiered" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_3.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
<h2>5. Screen Placement: Find the Sweet Spot</h2>
Your screen is the hero, so give it the spotlight it deserves! Place it at eye level so your gaze naturally lands at the center when seated. In larger rooms, projectors deliver cinematic flair, while high-quality TVs excel in cozier spaces.

<figure class="dsg-bg-box">
 <blockquote>
Pro Tip:
 
Keep reflective surfaces and direct light away from the screen to avoid glare—your eyes (and your patience) will thank you. 
 </blockquote>
</figure>
 
<img alt="home theater projector in movie room" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_4.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
<h2>6. The Final Touches: Bring It All Together</h2>
The magic is in the details. Consider these finishing touches to complete your home theater:
<ul>
<li>Blackout shades for a true cinema feel.</li>
<li>Smart controls to unify lighting, sound, and screen settings seamlessly.</li>
<li>Personal touches like movie posters, themed d&eacute;cor, or even a popcorn machine to make the space uniquely yours.</li>
</ul>
<img alt="group of friends eating popcorn while watching movie" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_/CI_home-theater-design-psychology_5.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
<h2>Let&rsquo;s Create Movie Magic</h2>
Your home theater isn&rsquo;t just a place to watch movies&mdash;it&rsquo;s where stories come alive, memories are made, and Sunday binge sessions turn into events. By carefully designing your space with the right colors, sound, lighting, and layout, you&rsquo;re not just creating a room. You&rsquo;re building an experience.
Ready to design the home theater of your dreams? Audio Etc is here to help you bring Hollywood right into your home. <a href="https://www.audioetc.tv/contacts" target="_blank">Let's make your perfect setup a reality!</a>
<style>
.dsg-line {
 border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc;
 margin: auto;
 width: 95%;
}
.dsg-bg-box {
 margin: 0;
 background: rgba(241, 241, 241, 0.9);
 padding: 15px;
 border-radius: 5px;
}
blockquote {
 text-indent: none;
 border-left: 3px solid black;
 font-size: 20px;
}
@supports ( hanging-punctuation: first) {
 blockquote {
 text-indent: 0;
 hanging-punctuation: first;
 }
}
.dsg-bg-box figcaption,
.dsg-bg-box blockquote {
 margin: 1em;
 padding-left: 15px;
}
div.dsg-gallery {
 border: 1px solid #ccc;
}
div.dsg-gallery:hover {
 border: 1px solid #777;
}
div.dsg-gallery img {
 width: 100%;
 height: auto;
}
div.dsg-gal-desc {
 padding: 10px;
 text-align: center;
}
* {
 box-sizing: border-box;
}
.responsive-dsg {
 padding: 0 6px;
 float: left;
 width: 33.33333%;
}
@media only screen and (max-width: 700px) {
 .responsive-dsg {
 width: 33.33333%;
 margin: 6px 0;
 }
}
@media only screen and (max-width: 500px) {
 .responsive-dsg {
 width: 100%;
 }
}
.clearfix:after {
 content: "";
 display: table;
 clear: both;
}
.dsg-boilerplate {
 color: #757575; 
 font-style: italic;
 font-size: 0.8em;
}
</style>

The Psychology of Home Theater Design for Better Viewing

Transform your retail space with lighting that wows. Discover how strategic lighting enhances shopper behavior, highlights key products, and boosts sales. 

Lighting is the unsung hero of retail design. It does more than show customers where to walk&mdash;it creates an experience. The right glow can highlight your star products, set the perfect mood, and keep shoppers coming back for more. In a world where first impressions matter, your lighting should do more than illuminate; it should captivate.
Whether it&rsquo;s drawing attention to your star displays or creating an inviting ambiance that aligns with your brand, we specialize in transforming lighting into a strategic asset that enhances the shopping experience and boosts sales. Here&rsquo;s how the experts at Audio Etc can make your lighting outshine the competition:
<h2>Mood Lighting That Sells</h2>
Lighting isn&rsquo;t just functional&mdash;it&rsquo;s emotional. A well-lit store does more than help people see; it shapes how they feel. Bright, welcoming spaces put shoppers in a positive mindset, while dim or harsh lighting can leave them looking for the exit.
Color temperature is another powerful tool:
<ul>
<li>Warm lighting creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere that encourages customers to relax and linger&mdash;a win for boutique shops and lifestyle stores.</li>
<li>Cool lighting adds a sleek, modern vibe, making it perfect for high-tech or luxury brands that want to exude sophistication.</li>
</ul>

<figure class="dsg-bg-box">
 <blockquote>
Pro Tip:
 
Align your lighting choices with your brand’s personality to make your store feel authentic. When shoppers feel at home, they’re more likely to stay—and shop. 
 </blockquote>
</figure>
 
<img alt="coffee shop with luxury lighting" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_retail-space-lighting-tips/CI_retail-space-lighting-tips_1.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
<h2>Let Your Products Shine</h2>
What&rsquo;s the first thing customers notice when they step inside? It should be your standout products. This is where accent lighting works its magic. By focusing attention on key items, you can guide shoppers&rsquo; eyes exactly where you want them&mdash;whether that&rsquo;s toward a fresh collection or a special offer.
To really make your merchandise shine, layering is key:
<ul>
<li>Overhead lighting sets the general mood of the space.</li>
<li>Spotlights create focal points on displays or shelves.</li>
<li>Decorative lighting adds a sense of drama or luxury, making your store feel extra special.</li>
</ul>
Think of it like staging a play: the products are the stars, and your lighting is the director, ensuring every detail gets its moment in the spotlight.
<img alt="well lit retail space with shoes and purses" src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_retail-space-lighting-tips/CI_retail-space-lighting-tips_2.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
<h2>Light Up the Welcome Mat</h2>
Your storefront lighting is your first impression&mdash;a 24/7 invitation to potential customers. A dark, uninspiring entrance can drive them away, while a well-lit, welcoming storefront says, &ldquo;Come on in!&rdquo;
Once they&rsquo;re inside, you can elevate the experience even further. Automated and dimmable lighting lets you adjust the atmosphere effortlessly.
<ul>
<li>Use brighter, cooler tones during peak shopping hours to energize the space.</li>
<li>Transition to warmer, softer lighting in the evening for a more relaxed vibe.</li>
</ul>
Whether you&rsquo;re hosting an event, launching a sale, or just creating a seasonal ambiance, lighting can set the tone. It&rsquo;s like rolling out a red carpet for every customer who walks through your door.
<img alt="woman smiling outside retail space with lighting " src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_ci/Q1_2025/CI_retail-space-lighting-tips/CI_retail-space-lighting-tips_3.jpg" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
Lighting isn&rsquo;t just an accessory; it&rsquo;s a strategy. When done right, it elevates your brand, enhances the customer experience, and boosts sales. Ready to create a space that wows shoppers and makes your products pop? Audio Etc can help design a custom lighting solution that brings your vision to life. Let&rsquo;s make your space shine&mdash;<a href="https://www.audioetc.tv/contacts" target="_blank">contact us</a> today!<style>
.dsg-line {
 border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc;
 margin: auto;
 width: 95%;
}
.dsg-bg-box {
 margin: 0;
 background: rgba(241, 241, 241, 0.9);
 padding: 15px;
 border-radius: 5px;
}
blockquote {
 text-indent: none;
 border-left: 3px solid black;
 font-size: 20px;
}
@supports ( hanging-punctuation: first) {
 blockquote {
 text-indent: 0;
 hanging-punctuation: first;
 }
}
.dsg-bg-box figcaption,
.dsg-bg-box blockquote {
 margin: 1em;
 padding-left: 15px;
}
div.dsg-gallery {
 border: 1px solid #ccc;
}
div.dsg-gallery:hover {
 border: 1px solid #777;
}
div.dsg-gallery img {
 width: 100%;
 height: auto;
}
div.dsg-gal-desc {
 padding: 10px;
 text-align: center;
}
* {
 box-sizing: border-box;
}
.responsive-dsg {
 padding: 0 6px;
 float: left;
 width: 33.33333%;
}
@media only screen and (max-width: 700px) {
 .responsive-dsg {
 width: 33.33333%;
 margin: 6px 0;
 }
}
@media only screen and (max-width: 500px) {
 .responsive-dsg {
 width: 100%;
 }
}
.clearfix:after {
 content: "";
 display: table;
 clear: both;
}
.dsg-boilerplate {
 color: #757575; 
 font-style: italic;
 font-size: 0.8em;
}
</style>

How To Master the Art of Retail Lighting 

There are few things worse than slow internet. 

<img src="https://cdn.avbportal.com/magento-media/blog/2020/main_22.jpg" />
There are few things worse than slow internet.
We know that slow internet bothers all of us here at Audio Etc and we're sure that you all probably feel the same way. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do and changes you can make to your home network and router to hopefully help optimize things, at least a bit.
So today, our blog is all about network education! Your home network is really the backbone of your home and its technology. In today's connected homes, your network is as necessary as electricity, water, and gas -- both you and your house need it to function. Let's take a look at how we can make it function better, together.
&nbsp;
1. Router Position/Location 
The placement and location of your router is important. Also, depending what internet frequency you are using -- 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz -- you can run into other distance problems. Wireless extenders and multiple access points can help with this a bit, but making sure your router is placed away from other devices and furniture and not obscured is also important.
Other not great placement ideas: Under your couch, behind metal shelving, buried under ground, you get the idea. Instead, try to put your wireless access points up high and in open areas -- also make sure they are properly spaced apart! Too many of your own routers can cause interference, as well.
&nbsp;
2. ZUCKERBERG!
Slow Wi-Fi performance may be out of your control, at least partially. If you live in a very condensed area -- or in an apartment complex with lots of neighbors -- Wi-Fi interference may be making everybody's network run slow. Try switching channels -- this can sometimes help!
&nbsp;
3. Firm Up That Firmware 
It might be the oldest trick in the book -- right up there with unplug it and turn it off and on -- but updating your router's firmware can add features and improve stability. Always make sure you are running the latest version, just to be on the safe -- and speedy -- side. Another quick tip is to reboot your modem -- they usually aren't the best quality if you are using the one from your internet provider, but rebooting can help fix issues with speed.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.avbportal.com/magento-media/blog/2020/2_17.jpg" />
4. Microwaves 
Yup! You read that right. It might sound weird, but microwaves can actually get in the way of your Wi-Fi. So can other wireless devices, so the fewer of those you have operating, usually the better off your Wi-Fi will be.
&nbsp;
5. Distance
Are you trying to get a Wi-Fi signal in your backyard out by the pool? Depending on the strength of your router, that could be tricky. We recommend one access point for every 1500 square feet of your home to make sure you have proper coverage.
Of course, with us, we'll always make sure you get a network that blankets your whole home -- indoors and out! That's just the benefit of using a professional installer over off-the-shelf network solutions you find at big box stores.
&nbsp;
6. Your Internet Provider 
One of the reasons you might not be getting fast internet is simple: You might not be paying for it. Internet providers charge more for faster speeds, so check and see what you are signed up for. For modern homes, we'd suggest at least 256MB download speeds -- try using a speed tester to make sure you are getting what you are paying for, and if you aren't, schedule a call with your service provider.
&nbsp;
7. Bandwidth 
How fast your internet goes also depends on the amount of traffic on your home network. Devices that stream HD content take up the most bandwidth. If you are running a bunch of different devices like security cameras, video doorbells, and TVs streaming HD or 4K content, we'd recommend hardwiring as many of these devices as possible and prioritizing traffic with VLANs to make sure that your children streaming Netflix doesn't interfere with an important video conference.
&nbsp;
8. Go Fish
Are you a collector? Does your collection include fish? Do those fish live in a tank?
If you answered "yes," "yes," and "yes," then you may have identified another possible Wi-Fi issue culprit. Fish tanks -- especially large ones -- can reflect radio waves and keep your signal from spreading out properly. Sorry, Nemo.
&nbsp;
9. Lights, Camera...Fridges?
A lot of other household appliances and devices can interfere with your Wi-Fi, too. Lamps, fridges, and even Christmas lights can all cause interference. It's best to keep your router as far away from such things as possible, and make sure that said devices aren't in between your router and where you commonly need to get internet access. If the kitchen is right between your router and your living room, for example, you could experience issues.
Your home network is important, especially these days, when we are all spending way more time at home and more reliant on it than ever. Hopefully these tips managed to help you speed yours up -- at least a little bit!
Of course, high quality networks that are set up properly and customized to the environment they are in don't have these types of network problems. Our team has years of experience installing robust wired and wireless networks designed around the needs of our clients and backed up by our service and support. Give us a call today at <a href="tel:937-434-9770"> 937-434-9770 </a> or visit our <a href="https://www.audioetc.tv/contacts/" target="_blank">contact page</a> and get in touch!

9 Things That May Be Interfering With Your Home Network

Fall in love with your network, not the other way around. 

<h2>1. Testing the Turkey Limits&nbsp;</h2>
Thanksgiving is one of those days where you just don&rsquo;t want anything to go wrong. There&rsquo;s not much we can do about the turkey, but there is one thing we can help: Your wireless network. With your whole family in town, there&rsquo;s going to be more devices than ever, and you don&rsquo;t have time to deal with slow or crowded Wi-Fi.
With <a href="https://www.luxul.com/routers/wireless-routers/xwr-3150.aspx">Luxul,</a> you&rsquo;ll get a high powered and extended signal network that is perfect even for large homes &hellip; or small homes with 15 people all trying to stream movies at the same time.&nbsp;
Also, since you never know what the cousins will be up to, you can also set up a content filter and Router Limits. Or maybe you need to set up secure guest networks for visitors to use instead of giving everyone password-level access. Either way, it&rsquo;s possible with Luxul. 
&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn.avbportal.com/magento-media/1_11.jpg" />
<h2>2. Welcoming Wireless&nbsp;</h2>
Fall -- especially leading up to the holidays -- just might be one of the busiest times of the year. And the one thing you don&rsquo;t have time to worry about is your wireless network -- it should work all the time, no matter how many of your cousins decided to stay over the long weekend.&nbsp;
So, what can you get from the Pakedge Wireless WK series? How can it help make your fall, better? First, you&rsquo;ll get better w-fi coverage, thanks to the routers&rsquo; powerful, long range antenna. Your router will also support a large number of devices, meaning you&rsquo;ll be able to use all your smart home and Wi-Fi enabled devices -- and any that your family members decided to bring along, as well.&nbsp;
In other words: Less time worrying about your Wi-Fi, more time spent with your family. Or the football game. Either or.
<h2>3. Dead Zones-Be Gone&nbsp;</h2>
Do you struggle with certain areas of your home where the Wi-Fi just slows down, or even worse, totally loses connection?
Try taking the AmpliFi HD Mesh Router out for a spin. With a simple touchscreen display it&rsquo;s easy to use, and it will give you the power and speed you need for all of your streaming and gaming needs -- and with lag-free performance, to boot.&nbsp;
And, if you take advantage of the system&rsquo;s mesh point technology, you can get rid of Wi-Fi dead zones throughout your house. Goodbye dead zones, hello a peaceful and thankful fall season that the whole family will enjoy.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.avbportal.com/magento-media/3_9.jpg" />
No matter what you are hosting this fall -- Thanksgiving dinners or Scout Troup sleepovers -- it&rsquo;s important that your house has a Wi-Fi solution that can meet the needs of today&rsquo;s smart homes. You don&rsquo;t want slow Wi-Fi to get added to the list of things you have to worry about with everything else going on, so give us a call and we&rsquo;ll be sure to help you find the best Wi-Fi solution for your smart home!&nbsp;

Fall Home Wi-Fi Automation

Default Dev Script Validation

<div class="widget widget-banner"> <ul> <li>  <avb-header-after> <avb-designer-block data-id="27" class="avb-grid avb-typography dsg-block-27-header-after"> <div class="avb-grid__column avb-grid__column--small-12 dsg-block-27__no-padding"> <avb-link class="avb-wrapper dsg-block-27-header-after__content" data-href="https://www.audioetc.tv/brandsource-financing">  Special Financing Available - OFFER VALID 6/18/2025 – 7/30/2025   </avb-link> </div> </avb-designer-block> </avb-header-after> <style> /* ==================== Header-after (block-27-header-after) ==================== */ @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Montserrat|Rubik:400,700&display=swap'); .dsg-block-27__no-padding { padding: 0; } .dsg-block-27-header-after__content, .dsg-block-27-header-after__content:visited, .dsg-block-27-header-after__content:focus { display: block; background-color: #000; color: #fff; text-align: center; padding: 0.55rem; } .dsg-block-27-header-after__content:hover { color: #ff0000; } .dsg-block-27-header-after__headline { font-family: 'Rubik', sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.3; transition: .3s; } .dsg-block-27-header-after--bold { font-weight: 700; } @media screen and (min-width: 600px) {} @media screen and (min-width: 960px) {} @media screen and (min-width: 1280px) {} @media screen and (min-width: 1600px) {} </style></li> </ul> </div>

Default Header After Global Promotions

<avb-header-before>  <avb-designer-block data-id="28" class="avb-typography dsg-block-28-header-before"> <div class="avb-grid"> <div class="avb-grid__column avb-grid__column--small-12 avb-grid__column--marginBottom dsg-block-28-header-before-no-margin-bottom dsg-block-28-before-before-grid__column--noPad"> <div class="avb-wrapper dsg-block-28-header-before__content"> <avb-link class="dsg-block-28-link" data-href="https://www.audioetc.tv/contacts"> We are an award-winning company celebrating over 40 years proudly serving the Miami Valley&nbsp;region. </avb-link> </div> </div> </div> </avb-designer-block> </avb-header-before> <style> @import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Montserrat|Rubik:400,700&display=swap'); .dsg-block-28-header-before-grid__column--noPad { padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; } .dsg-block-28-header-before-no-margin-bottom { margin-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0; } .dsg-block-28-header-before { margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; } .dsg-block-28-header-before-link { color: #fff; font-weight: 100; font-size: 20px; } .dsg-block-28-header-before__content { padding: 0.5rem; text-align: center; color: #fff; font-weight: 100; background-color: #c60000!important; } .dsg-block-28-header-before__content-bold { font-family: 'Rubik', sans-serif; font-weight: 700; } .dsg-block-28-header-before__heading { margin-bottom: 0; color: white; font-weight: 100; font-size: 16px; margin-top: .1rem; letter-spacing: 1px; } .dsg-block-28-link { color: #fff; } .dsg-block-28-link:hover { color: #000; } @media screen and (min-width: 600px) { .dsg-block-28-header-before { margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; } } @media screen and (min-width: 960px) { .dsg-block-28-header-before { margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; } } @media screen and (min-width: 1280px) { .dsg-block-28-header-before { margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; } } @media screen and (min-width: 1600px) { .dsg-block-28-header-before { margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; } } </style>

Blog

9 Things That May Be Interfering With Your Home Network

Fall Home Wi-Fi Automation

Is it Time to Plan Your Next Great Project? Great projects start with great plans! Let our team of experts find the right solutions to meet all your needs, for projects from residential to commercial. Send us your details below, and one of our friendly and knowledgeable professionals will reach out.

SHOP

SOLUTIONS

INFO

LOCATION

Connect with Us