Home Theater Blog

Where to Locate?

Interstar can mount your TV on-the-wall or over-the-fireplace (same price), just select the location you want as the focal point of the room. Over-the-fire-place is our most popular location as is “hiding” the TV cables inside the wall for a clean “picture on the wall” look.

Wall Mount Types:

We have all sizes mounts on our service vans or we can use the mount you purchased with your TV. We feature the slim, low profile design mounts so you don’t see the wires behind the TV and all our mounts feature a concealed locking security bar. Tilting mounts are also available but are seldom used in a residential home. The TV is far more attractive flat on the wall like a picture. An exception might be over a fireplace with very high mantel and close to TV seating. Another mounts are articulating, to allow the TV to pull out from the wall and swing left and right up to 90 degrees. Sounds great but these expensive, bulky mounts are not very practical for home use. Call us on this one.

How Best Mounted?

We use only wide base mounts that allow attachment to at least 2-inside wall vertical studs for strength and security. For brick fireplaces we use special masonry fasteners selected for the type of brick or stone. When mounting in an open TV alcove or recessed area over the fireplace, we can construct a custom frame to support the TV mount. Regardless of the wall, we can install your new TV.

How to get the Best Sound?

New TVs come with dual speaker systems for high quality sound, not like the side of the box mini-speakers on old tube TVs. You enjoy great stereo sound right out-of -the box. However, to enjoy movie sound effects and concert hall realism, you will want to add a room sound system with built-in speakers. . Most of our customers install the TV first then decide on a sound system later. We can advise on a system or go directly to our special value Packages. Then call us at 1-800-833-8080.

Flat screen TVs have become the most important part of any home entertainment system with prices now within everyone’s reach. Here are our recommendations for buying a new TV:

What Size?

Bigger is not better on the new flat screens as the picture resolution is very clear and can be viewed closer than conventional TVs and at extreme angles. Look for a 42″ size screen for the average size room and 52″ for a larger room.

LCD or Plasma Screen?

Plasma screens are promoted as providing the best color intensity; the LCD as free from annoying light reflections. Today there is little difference in picture quality between the two but reflecting light can always be a problem. If you have a room with windows, especially along the side or rear of the TV, you should select an LCD. LCD screen sizes are typically 40′, 42″, 46″ and 52″. Plasma sizes 42″, 50″ and 58″.

What Else?

The best picture is with the High Definition 1080p picture protocol, which is becoming universal on new TVs. Do not buy a flat screen unless it clearly advertises High Definition 1080p. Also, select the TV bezel color that best goes with the room; silver, shinny black and mat black are most popular. Will a black TV or silver TV look best over your fireplace? You will also want to consider ordering professional plasma tv installation from InterstarTV.com

Do I Need HD Programming?

A new High Definition TV must have HD programming service to work. You can get HD programming from your local cable company, DishNetwork satellite or DIRECTV satellite to enjoy a photo quality picture in wide-screen movie format with digital surround sound audio. The movie theater is now transformed to your living room but you must first subscribe to an HD service. We recommend up-grading your cable service to HD or subscribe to DIRECT which offer the most HD channels, over 100+ channels as of early 2008. We make sure your new TV is correctly connected to your TV service, regardless of service provider. For DIRECTV, we can install at same time with the TV installation. Just let us know what you need.