Long gone are the days of fussing with cables and remote controls. Today, home entertainment offers so much fun with smart technology. It frees you from the mess of cables and boosts your entertainment possibilities.
In this article, you will discover some of the simple ways to make home entertainment smarter with automation solutions.
These solutions include smart devices such as TVs, soundbars, projectors and monitors, smart speakers, and smart displays. It is possible to link these devices together to build a unique entertainment system that can be controlled with your smartphone, tablet, or smart hub.
Smart Speakers
Smart speakers are wireless speakers that have a voice assistant built-in. They’re connected to the internet and can access streaming services. A smart speaker is an all-in-one solution that ensures you don’t have to stack audio equipment, cables, and CD racks.
However, like any audio equipment, the higher the range you go for, the better the sound you’ll get.
Some examples that deliver high-quality audio performance include Amazon Echo with Alexa and Google’s Nest speakers. They can work very well as your main audio and TV speaker.
Also, due to the low cost of mini speakers like Amazon’s Echo Dot and the Google Home Mini, they make great speakers that you can place around the home. These are great for creating a sound system that cuts across several rooms.
Multi-Room Sound
It’s easy to create a multi-room by connecting compatible smart speakers through Wi-Fi. This way you can play music anywhere in the home you want it to.
Also, you don’t have to pump up the volume every time you move to a different room because smart speakers work independently. This way, they let everyone enjoy music at their own volume wherever they are in the home.
Hands-free Voice Control
Smart speakers include voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant. This makes it possible to use simple voice commands to play music, change radio stations or adjust the volume.
However, keep in mind that smart speakers do more than just entertain. They can be a smart home hub and a central controller for all your other smart devices.
Go Stereo or Surround
While a single speaker may sound great, you can get more serious by linking a matching pair of speakers to create a powerful two-channel stereo.
You can even make the sound bigger with soundbars and sub-woofers as long they are compatible. And again, there’ll be no trailing speaker lying around.
Smart Displays
Things get better when you add smart displays and touch screen control with images. With this kind of display, you can get details of what’s playing on a screen. For example, you can see track listings, song lyrics, and other song visual information.
While you can get hands-free help from your Assistant through visual answers, you can easily watch helpful videos from YouTube or view reminders, personalized schedules, and more.
Even though smart displays have a screen, they aren’t designed with the intention of watching movies in mind. However, if you are looking to add a video to your setup, then Google Chromecast offers great value and is easy to set up.
Also, the Google Nest Home Hub connects to Google Photos to help you automatically see your loved one’s best and latest pictures. Plus, you can show your photos by using your voice.
With smart displays, you get a single dashboard from where you can view and control compatible devices, which include light, smart security cameras, and more.
On some smart displays, there are in-built cameras that allow you to make video calls and their cameras can also be used as a security camera, and stream to your smartphone.
Chromecast for TV
The Chromecast can turn your TV into a smart TV. It does this by taking your TV online so you can stream your favorite shows from Netflix, watch videos on YouTube and move them to the big screen. With Google Assistant, you will also be able to voice control your TV.
All you need is a TV that has a free HDMI port, Wi-Fi, and a smartphone, tablet, or PC that runs on either iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS.
Other Things To Consider in Setting up Home Entertainment Systems
Choosing An Area Of Your Home
Ensure that windows or light sources are not placed behind the screens you will face when setting up.
Try to make an obtuse angle, since this can lead to a blinding back-glow that can be irritating.
Put something off to the side to ensure there are no bright lights behind the screen and gives you a clear view. Not only is this going to provide an amazing experience, but help you avoid headaches later on.
Setting Up The TV Or Projector
If you are looking to set up a TV or projector screen, you will want to ensure there’s a spot of blank wall large enough for you to position your TV or hang your projector screen.
For projectors, you might want to have a high vantage point in the room at a specific distance from the wall or screen you are looking to project on.
Think about rising a bracket to the ceiling.
Some distances work for different projections and your projector must provide you with this information in one way or another.
Sound Placement
Sound placement is much more than just connecting your smart devices. You need to consider the acoustic dynamics of your room as this can boost or diminish the quality of sound from your system.
Whether you are watching a movie or listening to music, it is essential that you get the best possible sound. This is why you must take into consideration the resonance of the room, as well as the height.
Also, consider things that might block the speakers such as the seating arrangement or shelves and tables in the room.
Seating Arrangements
After you have determined the placement of your screen and speakers, next is to configure your seating arrangements.
When doing this, you need to consider the tables and other furniture in your room. Ensure that the main seating area does not obstruct the view from your TV or projection from the projector.
Conclusion
Giving your home entertainment a lift with smart home solutions can prove to be a worthwhile investment that you will be glad to make.
As automation technology continues to cut through every facet of our lives, it is only normal that its impact is felt in the way we listen to music and watch videos. The appeal for this technology is not going down anytime as it offers more information and control so that you can make better decisions and optimize your entertainment experience.
HDL Automation is the leading provider of smart home entertainment solutions that ensure total satisfaction to the whole family. We start by discussing with you what fits your need and help you design a completely bespoke entertainment setup that is on another level.
Want smart hotel options now? Then contact your HDL Automation partner and get on the way to having the entertainment package you always wanted.
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