1. There are some myths out there that were created to get you to spend a lot more, and not get much more for that money. When it comes to home theater, most of the myths center around the audio systems you should purchase. Many people think you have to be a hardcore audiophile to hear and appreciate the way a good speaker system can complete your home entertainment experience, but this is dead wrong. A good speaker system makes a huge difference in home theater, but it should not cost a fortune, you just have to be a smart shopper.

2. Your home theater system should fit the room you are in, not the other way around. So, when you are shopping for your home theater system, start at home, take a good look at the room in which you're putting your theater in before you begin shopping. Look at the room from where you intend to sit while using it. Draw a quick sketch of the room's shape, contents, windows and openings to other rooms; take this with you when you shop. It is amazing what little details matter, and what you can forget. With the sketch in hand as you shop you can consult it and figure out exactly where you plan to put each speaker, whether that is on the floor or mounted on the wall. This is important to know because it will determine if you need speaker stands or wall-mounting brackets. You may need to consider in-ceiling speakers. Also, having the sketch will help you determine the space available for your display unit (in other words the TV). You need to ask yourself if there is space above or below your TV where you can place the center channel. Where is the subwoofer going to sit? How big is the room? It would be wise to take the time to measure the room length, width and height. Knowing the room's volume can help your salesperson pick a system that has the necessary amps, etc. to immerse the room in sound. You do not have to know this, you just need to provide the right information to the salesperson so they can know for you.

3. Next you need to decide just home many speakers you want and can afford. While surround sound used to mean five speakers and a subwoofer, it doesn't anymore. Some experts recommend 5.2 (five speakers, two subs) for more complete, even bass response. The rise of Dolby EX and DTS ES soundtracks on DVDs means you might want to build a 6.1- or 7.1-channel speaker system that features, in addition to your five speakers and a subwoofer, two more side surround speakers and one or two rear surrounds. You need to assess the room size, and your budget before you determine what type of speaker system you are going to get for your home theater. The size and layout will be the determining factors in how many speakers you need and can accommodate. Your electronics are another factor. If you want more speakers or subwoofers, you may need a new receiver that offers the right amount of amplification. A knowledgeable salesperson can help you determine an appropriate speaker configuration for your room, but if you are not sure, then go with 5.1.

4. Next, consider going wireless, unless of course you want cables running all around the room hooking up your speakers. However, you will likely still need to plug the speaker into an electrical outlet, so if the room does not have a ton of these, don't bother spending extra for wireless as you will have cables running all over anyway.

5. If you already have some home theater stuff, and you are just looking to upgrade your system some, or add to it, be sure to write down the model numbers of the gear you already own, such as a receiver, and take this information with you when you go shopping.