Home Theater Trends – Creating a Multi-Purpose Space

2020 marked a year where many families had to pivot to spending more time at home together than ever before. Many of our customers saw this as an opportunity to update their home theater rooms to accommodate the new reality of virtual classrooms and group Zoom meetings while still having the traditional family movie night.

Design Trends
Traditional home theater rooms have fast-tracked to become more and more multifaceted to accommodate for a growing number of other activities outside of watching movies. As many families found themselves at home facing challenges of virtual school, work and family Zoom meetings – their home theater room took on a family-friendly design change. 

Brighter rooms, lounge-like settings to spread out in comfort, and bigger screens are going to continue to be a trend as homeowners spend more time in their flex-work spaces.

If you are ready to upgrade your screen, we have a team of DIY experts and we have you covered.

Or if you're ready to take on making a custom projector screen yourself; it is completely achievable. Here's a helpful article on 'How to Build a Projector Screen at Home' as you make your big screen dreams come true.

Webcams to help everyone visually connect
A great webcam should have all the features you need for clear video, whether you’re using it for virtual meetings and schooling, streaming, or catching up with your family and friends. Many webcams help you (or your group) look your best by offering extras like autofocus, light correction, and full HD video.

1. Logitech GROUP
   GROUP is perfect for larger rooms and delivers high quality HD video and crystal clear audio, turning your room video conferencing space. With features like acoustic echo cancellation, noise reduction technology, and intuitive controls, GROUP makes it easier than for everyone to join in on the conversation. This model also comes with the option to add expansion mics. 
2. Logitech MeetUp HD
   MeetUP works great for a medium-sized room for up to six people and captures a super-wide 120° field of view, making everyone in the room visible. Ultra HD 4K optics, and three camera presets deliver remarkable video quality and further enhance face-to-face conversations. MeetUp’s integrated audio is optimized for room acoustics and delivers an exceptional sound experience.
3. Genius 120-degree Ultra Wide Angle
   Genius has an “ultra wide angle lens” up to 120° which lets you see at a wider angle so there’s no need to crowd around in front of a regular webcam. It has a built-in stereo microphone to let you talk freely with crystal clear voice quality. Plus, the glass lens provides a better image quality for chatting. 

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse at everyone’s fingertips
A wireless keyboard and mouse are great for anyone to grab and use for a work meeting or a call to catch up with family and friends. The great news is you don’t need to spend a ton of time and/or money to get something that works well. A go-to keyboard and mouse combo can be both affordable and highly functional. An option to consider is a backlit keyboard to accommodate dimmer lighting, while making things a little more fun!

4K Projectors
4K projectors display 4K content with better clarity, detail and contrast than standard HD projectors and are paving the way of the future for projectors. Images are sharper and more vivid, with the best 4K projectors featuring powerful processors reproducing the source material the way it was created. 

Shopping for a 4K projector may have historically seemed like an expensive option. While more expensive in comparison to projectors with 1080p resolution, they are becoming more affordable as technology continues to evolve.

1. BenQ 4K HDR-PRO Home Projector
   This BenQ model gives incredible clarity and crisply defined details and is an out-of-the-box factory calibrated, color accurate projector. This model is also an easy upgrade from BenQ 1080P projectors.
2. BenQ HT3550 Home Theater Projector
   Another affordable 4K option, this BenQ model offers a great picture. This model supports 3D, is easy to use, and provides a great viewing experience — all for a great price.
   
3. Epson Home Cinema 5050UB
   Offering extraordinary value, our top pick in the 4K category is the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB. Boasting Epson’s UltraBlack (“UB”) technology, this projector has excellent contrast and low black levels as well as motorized zoom and lens shift. Be sure to check out the other advanced features, and take a look at sister models 5050UBe and 6050UB.

Our team has helped countless homeowners on their quest to create their perfect home theater. We can also help you find the best projector for your multi-purpose space.