How to Build an Awesome Home Theater Gaming System

Setting up a home theater gaming system can be a lot of fun. Doing a little research first, then making a few field trips to see the potential electronic devices and theater seating you will use, planning a strategy to allow for upgrades and anticipating new technologies on the horizon; all will provide intense feelings of personal satisfaction when you feel the spine-tingling rush that comes from killing that first zombie or throwing a smackdown on some trash talking Halo wannabe.

What's on the serious gamer's wish list right now?

Here's a killer money-is-no-object system that will give you instant gratification on a sick level, give you years of service, and leave you ready for whatever comes down the road.

Start with a front projection TV. You need a fairly large room for your theater furniture for this one, and front projection TVs perform best in a dim or dark environment, so you'll need theater style illumination control over the light in the room. Don't skimp on this component. It will be the multi-tasking heart of the system, useful for any and all other video needs. Add a wall mounted screen for the projector, and you can play virtually life-sized opponents. Look for a screen that can be raised or lowered, because this money-is-no-object home theater gaming system has a surprise in store for you.

Now, add a state-of-the-art surround sound system. The best way to pick this part is to trust your ears. Like the TV, the sound system should be versatile enough to handle video game sound effects, yet seamlessly switch over to handling movie soundtracks, or general purpose music playing. Since hearing plays a role second only to vision in the sensual perceptions supplied by the home theater gaming system, pay particular attention to the most critical facet of the sound system: the speakers. Good speakers, ones you enjoy, well built, and able to handle all tasks, are the piece that will be around when you're ready to upgrade the electronic elements of your system.

The game console comes next. Most of the game designers are creating multi-console games. The days where your favorite title determined the choice of the game console are essential, if not completely, over. It should go without saying that the console should offer internet connectivity for online, multi-player applications. This is by far the least expensive component, and it's the one that supplies easy upgrades to take advantage of advancing technology.

The next element could be considered optional, but hey, we're talking about a dream system!

A gaming computer is what we're talking about. It should be configured with gaming specifically in mind: Fast processor, maximum RAM, top-line video card, and a big, fast hard drive. A computer geared toward gaming will easily handle any other task you throw at it, but the main reason for including it is the fact that there are several hundred PC games that have 3D capability that far exceeds the selection of 3D movies or videos, and justifies the final element of the I've-died-and-gone-to-heaven home theater gaming system.

Remember that screen for the front projection TV? The one that can be raised and lowered? Raise it up to reveal one totally huge flat panel plasma HDTV! Now that killer computer with hundreds of 3D game titles will be put to the ultimate use.

Now, just throw in a few must-have accessories, like some wireless headphones, a wireless mouse and a keyboard, and you'll have a home theater gaming system that will make your hair stand on end, peel the paint off the walls, cover all your other home entertainment needs, and give you pleasure for years to come.