Get your TV ready for the big game by doing a test run a few days ahead and keeping spare remote batteries. For the best picture and sound, a pro can tune your TV and receiver for about $100 to $300.
Whether you’re rooting for the Colts or the Saints, you’ll want your A/V system to be in tip-top shape for the Super Bowl next weekend. Many of the tweaks you’ll be able to handle yourself; others might require the handiwork of a custom electronics (CE) professional. “It might sound silly, but it’s a good idea to do a test run before Sunday to make sure everything is ready to go,” says Rob Roessler of Audio Video Concepts in Columbia, Ill. “There’s nothing worse than finding out the day of the Super Bowl that your cable box is locked up or the picture on your big-screen looks grainy.” Oh, and be sure to have an extra set of batteries on hand for your remote, too, says Ryan Lipkovicius of Audio Impact in San Diego. Even if everything seems a-ok, you still might want to bring in a pro to at least recalibrate your TV and sound system. It’ll cost between $100 and $300, but it’ll ensure that the picture and sound are perfect. For example, by adjusting the settings of your A/V receiver, your pro can make it feel as if you’re seated alongside the screaming fans at the stadium. He’ll also be able to check the signal strength of your satellite reception and if necessary realign the dish to prevent signal dropouts or picture pixilation during the game. The TV itself will probably need a little fine tuning, as well. If you’ll be watching the game on a rear-projection TV or a video screen, make sure the display’s bulb will make it through the game. If you’re concerned about it burning out, have a pro install a new bulb ($300-$700). Given that the Super Bowl is just a week away, there’s no guarantee a CE pro will be able to squeeze you into his schedule. Thankfully, there are several adjustments you can make on your own. “Some new audio receivers have a calibration microphone built in which makes it a breeze,” says Roessler. “You just go through the setup process and make sure all the levels are correct.” (Click Here to view the rest of this article on ElectronicHouse.com)Want the family room ready for game day? See our family room game day page.
What One Sound Choice clients say
(following their Open House and Daughter’s Birthday Party, Mike Deyong sent 1 Sound Choice, LLC, an e-mail saying): “FYI, the party went off without a hitch. I was doing demos all day. I had to wipe everyone’s chins off the floor. People were shocked and awed. If I had a nickel for each ‘unbelievable’, ‘incredible’ and ‘breathtaking’ that I heard, I could build another theater.”
– Mr. & Mrs. Deyong (1 Sound Choice client testimonials)
The 1 Sound Choice staff was very easy to work with. Ryan, you understood our wants right from the beginning. Simplicity of installation and operation were just some of the reasons we chose 1 Sound Choice. You exceeded my expectations!
– Mr. & Mrs. Matia (1 Sound Choice client testimonials)
I wanted to build a home theater in my basement and had accumulated quite a collection of high end electronics. But when I discussed my plans with Ryan, the proprietor of One Sound Choice, he quickly convinced me that the quality of the home theater experience starts with the proper room and acoustics. Not only was his audio/visual technical knowledge top-notch, I was impressed with his background in construction and his attention to room acoustics and ensuring the room didn’t just look pretty but also that the dimensions produced the right dynamics. Because I was also limited on the budget I could dedicate to creating this room, I was appreciative that he was responsive to adjusting plans as we moved forward to keep us on budget. Every detail was well thought out in advance, from the placement of outlets to avoid sound leakage, to lighting along the steps of the stadium seating, to one-touch programming of the remotes, to expansion conduits for future expansion of equipment. With hi-tech equipment, it seems upgrades are inevitable and it’s nice to know that the room can also adapt to future upgrades. Overall, I was very satisfied with my home theater. What I thought would be a room just for me to watch movies occasionally has now become the regular gathering spot for the whole family.
– jyrm (Houzz review)
Big game questions
Should I test my TV before game day?
Yes. Do a test run a few days before so you are not surprised on game day.
What simple thing should I have on hand?
An extra set of batteries for the remote.
What does a pro tune-up cost?
About $100 to $300, says this post.
What does a pro tune-up do?
It sets the picture and sound just right and can check your satellite signal.
One Sound Choice, 8 Tilley Ave, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. Call or text (973) 945-5275. We work in homes across Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Somerset, and Hunterdon counties. Written by Ryan Herd, founder of One Sound Choice.