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Media Centers
Moving up to home theater
Some home theater setups are basically a large-screen TV and a DVD player. Others include an A/V receiver, six or more speakers, the audio components discussed above, and more. If all of these components are grouped together, the big systems obviously call for different setups than we've talked about so far.Small-scale media cabinets, capable of housing television and audio gear and related items, are available as preassembled furniture or knockdown, ready-to-assemble kits. Materials range from solid pine, oak, and alder to veneered particleboard and MDF panels.
Entertainment armoires are also available in a number of styles and finishes. Look for retractable "flipper" doors or those that fold back on double hinges. Be sure TV pullouts or turntables can handle the weight of your equipment. Drawers are a must for organizing the small stuff.
On a slightly larger scale, say enough room for a large TV, A/V receiver, and three front surround-sound speakers, look to furniture stores, mass-market electronics stores, or wall system specialists. Or assemble stock base and wall cabinets under a countertop.
For full-blown media centers, your best bets are furniture ensembles, large modular wall systems, or custom cabinetry from a cabinetmaker or fabricator who works with audiovisual consultants. Materials for custom units typically are hardwood plywood, solid hardwood, or MDF.
As to price, the sky's the limit.
