Whether you’re rooting for the Colts or the Saints, you’ll want your A/V system to be in tip-top shape for the Super Bowl next weekend. Many of the tweaks you’ll be able to handle yourself; others might require the handiwork of a custom electronics (CE) professional.

“It might sound silly, but it’s a good idea to do a test run before Sunday to make sure everything is ready to go,” says Rob Roessler of Audio Video Concepts in Columbia, Ill. “There’s nothing worse than finding out the day of the Super Bowl that your cable box is locked up or the picture on your big-screen looks grainy.”

Oh, and be sure to have an extra set of batteries on hand for your remote, too, says Ryan Lipkovicius of Audio Impact in San Diego.

Even if everything seems a-ok, you still might want to bring in a pro to at least recalibrate your TV and sound system. It’ll cost between $100 and $300, but it’ll ensure that the picture and sound are perfect. For example, by adjusting the settings of your A/V receiver, your pro can make it feel as if you’re seated alongside the screaming fans at the stadium. He’ll also be able to check the signal strength of your satellite reception and if necessary realign the dish to prevent signal dropouts or picture pixilation during the game.

The TV itself will probably need a little fine tuning, as well. If you’ll be watching the game on a rear-projection TV or a video screen, make sure the display’s bulb will make it through the game. If you’re concerned about it burning out, have a pro install a new bulb ($300-$700).

Given that the Super Bowl is just a week away, there’s no guarantee a CE pro will be able to squeeze you into his schedule. Thankfully, there are several adjustments you can make on your own. “Some new audio receivers have a calibration microphone built in which makes it a breeze,” says Roessler. “You just go through the setup process and make sure all the levels are correct.”

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