OTHER TECH

Hi Theo, There are things I wished I hadn't done with my home theater. For example, I shouldn't have spent so much on my receiver and should have waited for one with HDMI inputs and the new Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Also, I heard really good things about Sony's 1080p projectors, but was persuaded that a Runco 720p model would look better. I've used custom installers for two separate projects, but now I read everything I can so I can learn how to do it myself. What should I have done differently with my room? MIKE LIDDELL / HUBBARDSTON, MA

Mike, I don't know a single person who bought some electronic component and was not hit with a serious case of regret when the next latest and greatest gadget came out. (iPhone 3G anyone?). You are concerned that your receiver does not support Dolby TrueHD and that your Runco projector does not support 1080p. You can't cry over spilt milk. Enjoy what you have until you are ready for the next upgrade.

If I were you, I would worry less about what you should have done with your receiver or your projector and more with what you did to your room. Dude! What compelled you to turn the front of your theater into a mini version of the A/V section at Costco? I thought the days when we all took pride in showing off the rack with our electronics had gone the way of the disco ball. Evidently, not you; how on earth can you focus on a movie with all these LED lights coming out of your A/V rack? Don't they drive you crazy? If I were you, I would leave the speakers where they are but I would move that rack (and the rat's nest or wires under it) away from the screen wall.

Next I would lose the poster, loose the candles, and leave the screen permanently down and proudly on display - possibly behind rather than in front of your drapes. You will be ready for action any time you're in the mood, or want to impress your friends and neighbors.