Due to inexperience, lack of knowledge or a simple human mistake, you may have set up your new home theatre system incorrectly. Before you assume something is wrong with the components of the system itself, your set up should be re-examined, especially before calling a professional (see home theatre).

If you are experiencing:

1. Power inefficiency – check electrical plugs and sources.
2. Poor TV Reception – check the connection between your TV and antenna/cable or satellite box.
3. Poor Picture quality – check cables, antennas and with your cable service provider.
4. Poor colour – check to see if colours are consistent across all input sources, and check colour settings and cords connecting equipment such as the television and DVD player.
5. Poor Surround Sound – check the sound of the DVD, television and other programming sources against each other; check your DVD player and cable/satellite box is connected properly to your home theatre receiver.
   NB: Surround sound generally only comes from the centre speaker during times of dialogue on the screen. As the action intensifies, so will the sounds from the rest of the speakers.
6. Poor radio reception – check FM and AM antennas are attached correctly to Home Theatre receiver.
7. Faulty DVD player – check the make of the DVD player, as those made before 2000 have reported problems playing recordable DVDs. Check the DVD player is set to play in the correct region, and for scratches and dirt on the DVD itself.

If you have followed these tips and your problem is still unresolved, it may be time to call a professional to assess the situation. The investment in their service can save a potential home theatre disaster and expenses incurred on your credit card at a later date.