Hometheaters

seek to reproduce cinema quality video and audio in the home. The video aspect usually involves a large-screen and/or high definition television or a projection system with movie screen to project the image on. DirectTV

Quality audio reproduction is usually achieved with a high fidelity surround sound system. Technically, a home cinema could be as basic as a simple arrangement of a television, VCR, and a set of speakers. It is therefore difficult to specify exactly what distinguishes a hometheater from a television and stereo.

Most people in the consumer electronics industry would agree that a hometheater is really the integration of a relatively high-quality video source with multi-channel electronics and speakers. Even if households have the system set up for home cinema it is common only to use the speakers integrated within the television rather than to play the sound through the surround sound system.

Typical hometheaters would include the following:

A large, high-quality, display - generally a big-screen DH television (Liquid crystal display television, plasma TV, traditional CRT TV, or a rear-projection TV) or possibly a video projector, often HDTV-capable.
 
One or more audio/video sources. High quality formats such as DVD or laserdisc are preferred, though old home cinema setups use a stereo VHS VCR. Cable, KU or C band are also common, as are hard disk based systems.

An audio system that is capable of surround sound. This usually consists of at least 4 (though more are common) full range speakers and a subwoofer for low-frequency effects. Sometimes a specialized decoder is used to allow the playback of newer surround-sound formats.

Comfortable seating and organization to improve the hometheater feel. This might include several comfortable recliners and curtains or subdued room lighting (required for video projectors) to enhance the experience.
Higher end home theaters commonly also have sound insulation to prevent noise to escape the room, and a specialized coating to ensure correct absorption of the sound in the room.

Built-in shelves provide a place for movie decor, DVDs, and equipment. Note the component stack on the right, where the audio receiver, DVD player, secondary monitor, and video game system are located.

Dedicated home theaters

Some home theater enthusiasts go so far as to build a dedicated room in the home for the theater. Such a room is often decorated to resemble an actual cinema, with specialized furniture, movie posters, or a popcorn or snack machine. These more advanced installations often include sophisticated acoustic design elements, including "room-in-a-room" construction that isolates sound and provides the potential for a nearly ideal listening environment. These installations are often designated as "screening rooms" to differentiate from simpler installations.