In the past few decades, home theatre systems have become synonymous with surround sound, DVDs and flat screen TVs. However, developments in technology are quickly changing the home theatre landscape through the integration of home automation, 4K TVs and virtual reality. The future of home theatre promises to be one of increasing immersion and convenience where TV viewers can engage in a high-quality entertainment experience across multiple platforms.
Home Automation
For most TV viewers, home automation is not an entirely new concept. This system has been in existence for several decades but in recent times has become even more popular due to improvements in technology which have resulted in better products at a more affordable price.
Home owners can now access automation features within their home via their home service provider – take for instance AT&T’s Digital Life – or through DIY products. These services enable customers to control lighting, sound and so forth at the touch of a button. Since they are controlled via smartphones and other mobile devices, customers will have more convenient opportunities to create the perfect home theatre system.
One can expect that as more technological advancements occur, home owners will be able to access even more innovative features via automation. Eventually, home entertainment systems may offer competitive alternatives to the cinema.
4K TV
Home theatres have come a long way since the bulky VCR era. Modern home theatre experiences are furnished with flat screen HDTVs and the even more impressive Ultra HD screens.
HDTVs became an official hallmark of American homes during the late 2000s, particularly 2009 when Congress stipulated a deadline for the Digital Television Transition which would guarantee that television stations across the nation broadcasted content in digital format instead of analogy. The transition towards digital content inspired many to replace their standard definition television (SDTV) with a sleeker, high definition counterpart. But the future of home theatre platforms will offer even higher quality entertainment through 4K TVs.
During the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), electronic giants like LG and Samsung featured next-generation 4K TVs that could bend while offering extraordinary picture quality. But what exactly are 4K TVs and how will they impact the future of the home theatre system?
4K TVs offer higher quality images due to screen resolution which far exceeds that of HDTVs. Also known as Ultra HD, these screens offer four times the resolution present in HD’s 1080p (1,920×1,080) resulting in at least 3,820×2,160 resolution. This translates into crisper color and images that appear life-like in nature. Curved Ultra HD screens are also reputed to offer immersive experiences similar to that of the movie theatre. Home owners who purchase such devices are therefore in for a treat, if they can afford the hefty price tag that is. One would expect though that the price for this type of screen will be reduced as Ultra HD TVs become a more mainstream product within the consumer electronics market.
Virtual Reality
Dreams of virtual reality were planted within our imagination decades past, but remained barren until now. Companies like Oculus Rift, through their innovative VR headsets, have helped to bring VR to the forefront of our thoughts by offering viable solutions for the achievement of alternate realities.
Virtual reality for many is the next big thing in the world of technology. It has radicalized the entertainment landscape, opening up new possibilities particularly for gamers and entertainment buffs as well. Due to VR headsets like Oculus Rift, virtual reality home systems will be possible in the future. But what exactly can TV lovers expect from such these headsets?
With this technology, movie viewers will be able to enter an alternative reality, i.e. the movie itself instead of watching as a casual observer. Though it’s not clear whether or not these headsets will replace the TV screen in the future, one thing is apparent: VR headsets could be the source of a far more immersive and engaging home theatre experience.
Once viewers use the headset, they’ll be immersed in the three-dimensional world of the movie. Already veterans within the entertainment industry are experimenting with VR headsets to create TV content which offers this immersive experience.
But let’s not get carried away since there are obvious limitations to VR in filmmaking and the entertainment industry as a whole. For instance, fast-paced scenes will have a dizzying effect on users. There’s also the issue of editing since scenes that rely on massive editing efforts would not work well with VR. After all, VR technology does not yet offer tools for the accommodation of such procedures. The limitations though offer great opportunities for innovation and advancement within technology as leaders within the consumer electronics industry experiment with VR.
Home theatre continues to change as technologies related to TV screens and virtual reality become more advanced. As these changes occur, TV lovers will be able to enjoy greater picture quality and more immersive experiences.
The Future of Home Theatre: 4K TV and Virtual Reality
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