Setting Up Your Home Entertainment System

Creating the perfect home entertainment setup involves more than just buying equipment—it's about positioning, connecting, and optimising every component for the best possible experience. Whether you're building your first system or upgrading an existing setup, this guide walks you through creating an entertainment centre you'll enjoy for years.

Planning Your Setup

Before connecting a single cable, take time to plan your setup. Consider how you'll use the space—streaming movies, gaming, watching sport, listening to music—and what equipment you need to support those activities. List every device that needs accommodation: TV, soundbar or speakers, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and any legacy equipment you're keeping.

Sketch your room layout and identify where power outlets are located. In many Australian homes, the TV position is dictated by power and antenna outlet placement. Consider whether you need additional power points installed or if an extension lead will suffice.

Positioning Your TV

TV positioning affects viewing comfort and picture quality. The centre of your screen should be at eye level when seated in your primary viewing position. For most people on standard Australian sofas, this means the screen centre sits approximately 100-110 centimetres from the floor.

Distance from the screen matters too. Sitting too close causes eye strain and makes it difficult to take in the entire image; too far and you lose detail and immersion. For 4K televisions, the optimal viewing distance is approximately 1.5 times the diagonal screen size. A 65-inch TV (165cm diagonal) has an optimal viewing distance of around 2.5 metres.

Avoid placing your TV opposite windows where possible—direct sunlight causes glare and can damage screens over time. If window positioning is unavoidable, use curtains or blinds during daylight viewing hours.

Setting Up Audio

Built-in TV speakers have improved dramatically, but they can't match dedicated audio equipment. For most living rooms, a quality soundbar represents the best balance of performance, simplicity, and space efficiency.

Soundbar Placement

If your soundbar sits on your TV stand, position it directly below the screen, centred with the TV. Ensure it doesn't block the TV's infrared receiver if you're using a traditional remote. Some soundbars can mount directly to the wall beneath a wall-mounted TV.

Avoid placing soundbars inside enclosed cabinets—the sound needs room to project into the room. If your TV stand has a compartment at the right height, it might seem convenient, but enclosed placement significantly degrades audio quality.

Connection Options

For best audio quality, connect your soundbar via HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). This sends audio from the TV to the soundbar while allowing a single remote to control volume. The ARC-enabled HDMI port is typically labelled on your TV.

Optical cable connection is the next best option if ARC isn't available. This digital connection delivers good quality audio but doesn't support the most advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos. Analogue connections (red and white RCA cables) should be a last resort.

Connecting Gaming Consoles

Gaming consoles benefit from specific setup considerations to maximise performance and convenience.

Placement and Ventilation

Modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X generate significant heat during extended gaming sessions. Place them where air can circulate freely around all sides. Never stack consoles on top of each other or place them in enclosed compartments without ventilation.

Leave at least 10 centimetres of clearance around the vents. Check your specific console's manual for ventilation requirements—some must be positioned horizontally while others work in either orientation.

Optimal HDMI Connection

For 4K gaming at 120Hz (supported by PS5 and Xbox Series X), you need an HDMI 2.1 connection. Check which of your TV's HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1—often only one or two do. Use the HDMI cable that came with your console or a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable to ensure full bandwidth.

Streaming Devices and Smart TV Apps

Most modern smart TVs include popular streaming apps, but dedicated streaming devices often provide better performance and interface. Devices like Chromecast with Google TV, Apple TV 4K, and Amazon Fire TV Stick offer frequent updates and wider app availability than many TV platforms.

Streaming devices plug directly into HDMI ports. Consider cable management—many devices can hide behind the TV, while their power cables route down to an outlet. USB-powered devices can often draw power from the TV's USB port, eliminating one cable entirely.

For best streaming performance, a wired ethernet connection is superior to Wi-Fi. If your streaming device supports ethernet and your TV stand is near a network point, a wired connection eliminates buffering issues common with Wi-Fi, particularly in apartments with many competing networks.

Organising Remotes and Accessories

The proliferation of devices means managing multiple remotes. Each TV, soundbar, gaming console, and streaming device typically includes its own controller. This remote sprawl creates clutter and confusion.

A universal remote consolidates control of most devices into a single unit. Modern options from Logitech and SofaBaton can control smart devices via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth alongside traditional infrared devices. The initial setup takes time but dramatically simplifies daily use.

Designate specific storage for remotes and gaming controllers. A shallow drawer in your TV stand, a decorative box on a shelf, or a wall-mounted charging station keeps everything accessible yet tidy. Establish household rules about returning items to their designated spots.

Power Management

A quality surge-protected power board is essential for protecting your equipment. Australian power surges from lightning and grid fluctuations can damage sensitive electronics. Choose a power board with enough outlets for all your devices plus room for additions.

Consider a power board with spaced outlets that accommodate bulky power adapters without blocking adjacent sockets. Some entertainment-focused power boards include features like coaxial protection for antenna connections and master/slave switching that powers down peripherals when the TV turns off.

Final Setup Checklist

Once everything is connected, work through these final steps to optimise your system.

• Run your TV's automatic picture calibration for optimal image quality
• Configure soundbar sound modes for your room size
• Update firmware on all devices to latest versions
• Sign into streaming accounts on all relevant devices
• Test each device functions correctly
• Program universal remote if using one
• Label cables at both ends for future reference
• Take photos of your setup for reference if reconnecting later

A well-planned entertainment setup provides years of enjoyment with minimal ongoing fuss. Invest the time upfront to do it right, and you'll appreciate the results every time you sit down to watch, play, or listen.