The term’ work-life balance’ gets thrown out there regularly, and all of us know this is key to staying productive without losing your sanity. But besides a carefully designed home, entertainment media like music, movies, and games can help you relax and leave all your office-related woes behind.
Did you know that the media and entertainment industry—which consists of producing and distributing all forms of materials such as movies, television programs, music, games, and other forms of text, audio, and video content for consumers—captures USD$ 660 billion of the USD$ 2 trillion global market? This figure underscores the industry’s influence on our lives and its potential to transform our living spaces. (1)
In the past, a big-screen television and a home theater installation might have been enough. However, everyone is seeking a more immersive experience, and impeccable audiovisual (AV) equipment has become a necessity rather than a luxury. With technological advances happening faster than you can imagine, various AV innovations can turn your living spaces into ultimate entertainment hubs. Let’s discuss some of your options below.
Automated sound systems
Listening to your favorite songs does more than uplift your mood. Various studies have shown that music can help manage pain, reduce stress, and improve cognitive performance. It could also alter eating habits. But how can you enjoy these benefits if you’re spending the night fiddling with your remote settings as your activities change? (2)
Getting an automated sound system installation is key to ultimate enjoyment. This AV innovation integrates seamlessly with your home automation system’s design and setup, allowing you access control via voice command or a mobile phone app. The key is to partner with a reliable solutions provider to make it work according to your goals and desires.
Some advanced systems can study your preferences and routine over time, so you don’t have to adjust it every time. For example, you can ask the app to prepare your workout playlist as you step into your home gym. Hosting a movie night? Your automated sound system can activate the speakers to cinema mode and dim the lights with a voice command.
Invisible speakers
If compromising home aesthetics for great sound doesn’t sit well with you, consider getting invisible speakers. These modern AV devices can be incorporated into the walls and ceilings and then painted over to match your home’s overall look.
But doesn’t an in-wall or in-ceiling installation affect audio quality? Definitely not. Most devices use advanced technologies, including head-related transfer functions (HRTFs), spatial audio, and beamforming, to duplicate and enhance user experience across various conditions. The result? A great audio system that eliminates the visual clutter often associated with speakers and subwoofers.
Projection mapping
If you want to change your mood instantly but don’t want to spend hours on a movie marathon, projection mapping might do the trick. This visual technology uses advanced slide projectors and mapping software to turn any surface—even irregularly shaped ones—into dynamic and interactive digital canvasses.
It’s primarily used in experiential marketing and stage performances, but this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying it in your home’s media room. For instance, you can project a serene and calming background on your walls as you prepare to sleep or decorate your outdoor surfaces according to your outdoor party theme—without breaking a sweat.
Haptic feedback furniture
You’ve heard of a surround sound system, but have you heard of haptic technology? This takes your experience to the next level by stimulating tactile sensations—letting your body experience what’s happening on screen. It can enrich your cinematic experience at home—whether you’re watching a movie or playing video games. Imagine sitting on your favorite armchair and feeling the rumble of a spaceship taking off or the sway of a boat on the ocean.
Virtual reality (VR) systems integrate haptics to create real-world experiences in simulated settings. Its earlier forms are integrated into your phone’s vibrating notification and user movement responses, like tapping the screen.
Today’s advancements, however, have created smart furniture pieces with built-in vibration motors and pressure sensors to sync with your media. Some of these, including wearable devices, can be integrated into any modern home design.
Holographic display
Sci-fi movies have been showing futuristic technologies, including holograms, for several years. In the near future, it won’t be surprising for holographic displays to find their way into your home entertainment system.
Existing holographic technologies use motion sensors and advanced projection technology to create three-dimensional images you can view even without special glasses on. In the future, you might be able to see life-like simulations of a dinosaur right through your living room—or feel like you’re sitting next to your loved ones while chatting with them on video.
Considering its wide-ranging applications, the hologram market is expanding steadily. It’s expected to increase to 14.7% between 2023 and 2030—reaching USD$ 67 billion from USD$ 44 billion in 2022, according to market research. (3)
On the home improvement front, you can use holograms to create a replica of your intended room design and layout to breathe life into your ideas. You can discover how your room looks like by filling empty spaces with furniture or covering your walls with artwork and other artistic images.
An immersive entertainment experience
As you get home, you’re supposed to be greeted by a welcoming atmosphere—one that helps you temporarily detach from life’s daily pressures. An appealing home can set the tone for ultimate relaxation, but audiovisual technologies can make it even better, whatever your idea of entertainment might be.
The combination of sounds, sights, and touch creates a powerful combination that makes every activity a more pleasurable experience. And these AV innovations offer exciting possibilities for personalizing and enhancing our living spaces.
However, as you immerse yourself in the joys of virtual experiences, don’t forget to prioritize real-world interactions. After all, technology should enhance connections, not take over our lives.
References
- ‘Media & Entertainment’. Source: https://www.trade.gov/media-entertainment#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20Media%20and%20Entertainment%20(M%26E)%20industry%20is%20the%20largest%20in%20the%20world%20at%20%24660%20billion%20(of%20the%20%242%20trillion%20global%20market)%20%2D%20enduring%20an%20estimated%20%2453B%20or%207.3%25%20decline%20due%20to%20the%20pandemic.
- ‘How Listening To Music Can Have Psychological Benefits’. Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/surprising-psychological-benefits-of-music-4126866
- ‘Holograms Market Size Will Attain USD$ 67 Billion by 2030 Growing at 14.7% CAGR- Exclusive Report by Zion Market Research Global Holograms Market Size, Share, Trends Analysis Report’. Source: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/06/26/2694366/0/en/Holograms-Market-Size-Will-Attain-USD-67-Billion-by-2030-Growing-at-14-7-CAGR-Exclusive-Report-by-Zion-Market-Research-Global-Holograms-Market-Size-Share-Trends-Analysis-Report.html#:~:text=The%20global%20holograms%20market%20size%20was%20valued%20at%20around%20USD%2044%20billion%20in%202022%20and%20is%20estimated%20to%20grow%20USD%2067%20billion%20by%202030%2C%20at%20a%20CAGR%20of%2014.7%25%20between%202023%20and%202030.
