Home entertainment has undergone a major transformation during the last two decades. “Home movies” means something entirely different from Dad setting up the projector and portable screen in the family room. Built-in theaters now combine the privacy and comforts of home with the sound and picture quality of a Cineplex.

Companies that design and install home theaters report that most homeowners order seating for eight to twelve viewers in a room of 500 to 800 square feet. Screens often measure 5 by 11 feet or 4 by 8 feet, but multiple screens are not uncommon. Must-have audiovisual components include a high-definition television (HDTV) receiver, projection equipment, a surround-sound system with at least five speakers and combination amplifier/receiver, VCR and DVD players.

Other features that make home movie viewing a delightfully luxurious experience are custom-made plush theater-style reclining seats and touch-control temperature – never again will you have to sit in rigid chairs bolted to the floor, shivering in polar-strength air conditioning or suffocating in an overheated theater. In between features, refreshments are available at your own wet bar or soda fountain.

A basic home theater can be installed for about $50,000, but more extravagant fixtures such as customized carpet and fine wood finishing can push the cost into the hundreds of thousands.