There are plenty of reasons to have a home theater system today, beyond the obvious need to crank up the volume on that extremely cool action flick. Home theater is no longer just for rich people with money to burn on big screening rooms. It’s no longer for tech heads and enthusiasts who can’t resist spending all their cash on the latest and greatest audio and video gizmo. And it’s not just meant to promote the decay of couch potatoes everywhere. Home theater can be for regular people on modest budgets, people who aren’t so tech savvy, even people who don’t watch much TV. In fact, home theater can actually be stimulating for your mind.

1. Home theater is for everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you live, the style of your home or the size of your family. It doesn’t matter whether you want a big, showy home theater or a simple, modest one. It could be a big-budget home theater that looks like a movie palace or one to match a modest budget. It could be for a growing family, a couple or a single person.

2. And it’s for anywhere. It can be enjoyed in whatever room you wish. There’s a place for a home theater in family rooms, media rooms, dedicated home theater spaces, recreation rooms—even kitchens, bedrooms and patios.

3. It takes you beyond the scenes. You can do much more than watch movies in a home theater. You can watch TV shows, play video games on the big-screen, enjoy concerts on DVD, listen to your favorite music and much more.

4. You can entertain others. Your home theater is a great place to host parties and get-togethers, whether it’s for just a few friends or for large family gatherings. Think Oscar nights and Super Bowl parties. Or you can make up your own theme. Don’t forget the hors d’oeuvres!

5. You can express yourself. Your home theater can be decorated in any style you like. It can look like a movie palace from the past, a spaceship from the future or your comfy family room in the present.

6. Have a big night in. When you have your own home theater, you no longer have to go out to the movies. Pop some popcorn, make your way to your media room and enjoy the show—without sticky floors, extra expenses and big heads blocking your view.

7. Come together. A home theater can actually bring your family closer together. You can have family movie nights—or days—in which simply being together is the feature attraction.

8. Learn something. Think educational programming, from Sesame Street to jaw-dropping nature shows on Discovery HD Theater. In a home theater, TV can actually stimulate the mind.

9. That was so cool! Of course, you can always watch that mega-action flick with the very special effects and nudge up the volume. 10. Your spouse will use it, too. No matter what he or she says.