Here are five things to look for in a home theater installation provider:
- Reputation.
Ask around to find the service provider in your area with the best track record when it comes to installations. Your local audio/visual store will have one or two companies that they work with on a regular basis and are well known in the community. You want a service provider with a solid, established reputation, rather than a relatively new company that may or may not fit your needs. - Speed of service.
The ideal provider is someone who can set your system up within 24-48 hours. Who wants to purchase a new home theater and then wait a week or more to get it set up? - Ongoing service and guarantees.
The best companies will offer a solid guarantee and provide ongoing service and support. Choosing a company that you know will help you down the road gives you peace of mind and insures that you won't miss out on important events due to technical problems or an incorrect set-up. - Communication.
The right service provider should be able to fully explain not only what they are doing, but why they are doing it, and be ready and able to answer your questions in detail. If your service provider is unwilling to discuss your set up, you might want to look elsewhere. - Cost.
Finally, let's face it; cost is a factor for most people, especially after you've recently shelled out a good chunk of cash for a top of the line system. While it usually isn't a good idea to go with the lowest cost provider (who knows what corners they may be cutting to give you such a great price ...), it makes sense to shop around a bit and get the best deal you can.
