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No matter whether you’re an enthusiastic hobbyist or a professional installer, the iPhone can provide a variety of apps to assist in setting up your home cinema system.  Here are eight such applications and as always, we welcome any additions you may have in the comments section!

Decibel

A straightforward app for measuring the loudness of not only your audio system, but pretty much any sound!  Both an analogue and a digital meter are featured with measurements for peak, maximum and average dB rating.  We’ve found that using an external microphone produces more accurate results than relying on the internal option.

TV Setup and Calibration.

If you don’t have a DVD with a THX Optimizer program handy, then this seems to replicate everything it does, with static test patterns, movies for video calibration and audio test tones included.  You’ll need an Apple Video cable to connect your phone to the TV though.

Sim2Calc

It’s a pricey little thing, but if you’re splashing out on a SIM2 projector in the first place, then the $30 price tag probably won’t make much difference.  The application consists of a collection of tools used to calculate everything from throw ratio and geometry settings to viewing angles and luminance levels of your projector, and it’s not limited to SIM2 models either.  For projector newbies, the setup can be intimidating, but this app’s walk-through of the finer points makes it all far easier.

VideoCalc

A cheaper alternative to SIM2Calc, this is another app for setting up your home theater projector.  With calculation tools, placement suggestions and a tutorial, your projector will soon be up and running.

SPL Meter

Essential for setting up any type of audio system, SPL Meter can be used with the internal or an external microphone and is reputed to be a ‘professional-grade’ SPL measurement app.  Weighting filters, decay measurements and adjustable range plus an analogue or digital display are key features here.  It’s well-priced too.

Speaker Pop

Helpful for both the pro-installer and the home enthusiast, this tests your speaker’s polarity.  Of course, a microphone is required and in all honesty, unless all your wiring is either hidden away or stupidly complicated, the average set-up won’t benefit from this type of app.  That said, when you need a tool like this, it’s as good as you’ll find in the App Store.

AudioTools

If you’re considering SPL Meter and Speaker Pop, then perhaps you should take a look at AudioTools.  Produced by Studio Six Digital, it includes both of those apps along with RTA, Generator, Line Level and Audio Scope too, making it a complete collection of helpful audio system analytical and calibration applications.  In-app purchasing provides the option of adding additional modules with other tools too.

HTA Designer LT

A great app for the newcomer, this simple to use app provides a guide to turning your room into a home cinema.  By entering the measurements of your room, HTA Designer LT will give a recommendation of the biggest screen size you should be considering along with seating positions and where to place your speakers.