If you’re looking to stay on the cutting edge of home technology, check out the latest audio and visual design trends making our media experience better.

The Top Home Theater Systems of 2020

Smart Home Theaters

The top home theater systems are smarter than ever, making lives easier in so many different ways. No worries about fumbling around with a bunch of different remotes every time you want to change the channel or video input. Do it all from your centralized control panel. You can even run everything through your smartphone, to avoid learning how to work new equipment. Want more?  Dim the lights, close the blinds, start a projector, and connect to your favorite streaming device, too! You can even program all of those functions to happen simultaneously, sending your home theater into movie mode with one click of a button.

4K & 8K

4K TVs have been around for a while but the industry is finally catching up. In 2020, look for broadcasts and streaming services to upgrade their services as they adjust to smart home technology. Upgrade your hardware now, and you can expect video providers to help you get the most from it. Take it a step further with 8K, which quadruples the pixels for an even denser image.

Richer Sound

You may be surprised by how affordable it is to get the highest-quality sound experience in your home. Soundbars can deliver home theater audio that rivals the movie theaters. For instance, the Sonos Beam soundbar contains four woofers and a tweeter for the full range of home theater audio. Built-in microphones facilitate beam forming for auto-calibration and echo reduction. Plus, it can connect with satellite speakers for full surround sound.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) has already revolutionized the way people use media like video games, and its popularity will only grow in 2020. Adventurous homeowners are now starting to enjoy it, too. There’s no better place for a VR headset than with the rest of your immersive entertainment at home.

There’s plenty of other home technology out there to discover, but if you get yourself set up with some of these, you’ll see the difference. Talk to your home theater installer today!

The post 2020 Trends in Entertainment at Home appeared first on Home Theatre Connection.

Do you just have a standard TV installation? Do you have surround sound? How about automation? Having the right media setup is key to having an enjoyable get-together. Here are some of the top options in home entertainment systems when you’re ready for an upgrade.

4 Ways to Upgrade Your Home Entertainment Center for a Better Party

1. Build a media room

You’ll swear you’re in the crowd at the game when you have your own home media room with a multi-screen TV installation setup and surround-sound audio. It’s easy and affordable with perforated and woven screen displays that hide your speakers from view. Experts can also minimize space usage with small flat-panel displays and electronics-savvy furniture design.

2. Add automation

The best home entertainment systems make the viewing experience convenient. Today’s smart-home technology functions like a personal assistant – responding to your every beck and call. Have a big group and need to extend the experience? Go for room-to-room sound systems. Want to control the volume, lighting, and other components? That can be automated too. You won’t have to leave your seat to make your football party exactly the way you and your guests want it.

3. Take it outside

The weather is more unpredictable than ever, giving you the chance to have an outdoor football party. Your local TV installation company can provide outdoor audio and visual entertainment, offering a full home theater system that’s sure to keep things exciting day or night.

4. Mount your TV

Simply buying a new flat-screen TV can do wonders for a better party experience. But don’t just prop it on a television stand – have it professionally mounted. You don’t want to take any chances with wall mounting by attempting to do it yourself. TV installation really should be left to professionals who have experience with mounting brackets on wall studs, concrete or brick walls, and concealing wires.

Enjoy Your Home Entertainment Center Year-Round

While your football party may have gotten you thinking about home entertainment systems, moving forward with purchase and installation gives you entertainment to enjoy year-round. You can even take things a step further working with a professional company like Home Theater Connection to turn your home into a smart home. If you can envision it, you can have it!

The post Are you Ready for a Football Party appeared first on Home Theatre Connection.

There’s just something about a backyard movie party that makes you feel all comfy and cozy. While summertime is also a great time to host an outdoor party, with the cooler nights and the warmth of some firepits, now’s the perfect time to start planning. We’ve got the ideas and tips to make yours goes off without a hitch

Movie Quotes to Help You Plan Your Outdoor Party

Throwing a backyard movie party doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive, but it does require some planning ahead to make sure your friends and family enjoy themselves. Here, you’ll find some movie quotes that serve as tips for putting together your next outdoor party.

“I don’t own emotion. I rent.” – Rent, 1996
Unless you’re a tech buff with every piece of equipment ready to be set up and started, do yourself a favor and rent an outdoor projector. Partner with a home theater company and you’ll have everything you need in both audio and visual outdoor entertainment. For the best parties, you can rent surround-sound systems, and have the technicians customize the perfect outdoor home theater system to optimize your visual and acoustic experience affordably.

“My friend, I have been to many, many stake-ings, and it all comes down to location, location, location!” Dracula: Dead and Loving It, 1995
Pick the right spot to set up the seating, outdoor projector rental and other elements of the event. Whether it’s the backyard lawn, the patio or set up among several houses, you’ll want to make sure everyone’s comfortable and can see and hear. Of course, not everyone has a backyard, so try to get as creative as possible with your space.

“Lilly-flowers nodded their half-opened heads in the grass.” – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2001
While a lush, wild landscape is easy on the eyes, it’s not something you want to be sitting in during your movie party. Be sure to mow the lawn a day or two prior to the event for easy setup and comfortable surroundings. Also clear away any yard debris (including animal droppings), sticks or low-hanging branches that could cause damage to the outdoor projector rental equipment.

“He knew the risks, he didn’t have to be there. It rains… you get wet.” – Heat, 1995
Don’t let your automated sprinklers get your guests wet. Turn them well beforehand to prevent any possible equipment damage to electrical items, especially if you rent an outdoor projector, which you have to return.

“I’m an insect who dreamt he was a man and loved it. But now the dream is over… and the insect is awake.” The Fly, 1986
Nobody likes bugs buzzing around in any circumstances. Make sure you repel mosquitoes and flying insects. Fog your yard with insect repellent a couple hours prior to your event and have citronella candles, torches and insect repellent handy to help keep mosquitoes and flying insects away.

“He flips the projectors, the movie keeps right on going, and nobody in the audience has any idea.” – Fight Club, 1999
This might seem obvious, but select a movie for your outdoor party that will appeal to a wide range of tastes and ages. Consider the guests you’ll be inviting and choose accordingly. It could be a comedy, a family-friendly flick, a rom-com or a classic. The options are virtually endless.

If you’re looking to rent an outdoor projector or any other equipment for your backyard movie party, do you research. Choose a company that has a great reputation, a movie that has great reviews, and your party will be a hit!

The post How to Prepare for your Outdoor Movie or Video Party appeared first on Home Theatre Connection.

Getting the Best Outdoor Sound Systems

Recently, in response to a demand for more high-tech outdoor living ideas, portable Bluetooth devices and adapters have flooded the market. Marketed as an easy and affordable way to bring your indoor music outside, these devices get the job done but rarely provide the same sound quality as your indoor A/V system. The trick to quality sound outdoors is the installation of quality outdoor speakers. Outdoor home electronics installation by a professional is the only way to achieve the quality you have come to expect from your sound system.

For those hesitant about the cost of upgrading their outdoor sound system, take solace in the fact that outdoor speaker systems come in a number of models at a variety of price ranges. Whether you opt for a wall-mounted speaker for your enclosed patio or choose a rock shaped or in-ground model, a professional A/V installer will understand the unique factors that need to be considered with outdoor sound systems and help you determine which model fits your needs and budget. Given that most patios and backyards are small and neighbors are close by, homeowners need to be careful in ensuring that there is not an overload of sound projection in the area. Therefore, most professional installers suggest facing the speakers towards the house, rather than projecting the noise outward.

Creating Outdoor Video Capabilities

The key to quality outdoor television experiences lies in purchasing the right equipment. Resist the urge to grab a set of bunny ears and stick them on top of a portable TV. Today’s market is full of outdoor television sets. Families can choose whether to opt for HDTV sets or save money and get a basic outdoor television. Today’s models are water, wind and humidity resistant and are specifically designed to stand up to the elements.

There are a few additional factors to be considered when installing backyard movie theater systems. The first is size. Keep in mind that most people will not be dispersed around a patio and not seated directly in front of the television. Therefore, anything smaller than a 46-inch set will be too small for outdoor use. Secondly, consider the sun and the glare. In order to mitigate the effects of the sun’s changing position, install your outdoor television on an adjustable mount that allows for a few different configurations. Lastly, consider lighting. Be sure that your outdoor patio has dim enough lighting to allow for viewing but enough to permit safe movement for guests. A professional home theater installer can help you navigate these considerations.

Hiring an Audio/Video Installer

Installing audio video capabilities outdoors is an investment. Rather than risking subpar quality or faulty installations, hire a professional. These technicians know the unique electrical and aesthetic considerations that need to be weighed before starting installations and will work with you to create a safe, affordable and beautifully high-tech outdoor entertainment area that works for your family’s needs.

The post Entertaining Outdoors – Outfitting Your Outdoor Living Space with Audiovisual Capabilities appeared first on Home Theatre Connection.

Of all the kid’s birthday party ideas, hosting an outdoor movie party in your backyard is ideal for a variety of summer party themes. After all, it is summer in New Jersey; you might as well enjoy it to the fullest. Of all the backyard birthday party ideas, an outdoor movie rental is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

There is something enchanting about sitting outside under the stars, watching a movie with your friends. The reason this is a favorite among outdoor party ideas, is because it brings back a time much simpler than this, when drive-in theaters were popular. Kids and adults alike are sure to be swept away by the cinematic magic behind an outdoor movie rental.

By adding our outdoor movie rental to your list of backyard birthday party ideas, you are sure to make a lasting impression on your guests, and have a lot of fun, too. Even if you are on a budget, what better way to entertain than with an outdoor movie rental? Most of the outdoor movie screens are large enough to accommodate approximately 150 viewers, while remaining small enough to not cause a nuisance to neighbors. The perfect compromise between entertainment and respecting your neighbors is one more reason why an outdoor movie rental is among the greatest backyard birthday party ideas.

Here are some ways to ensure that your outdoor movie birthday party in Monmouth County, New Jersey will be a huge success.

Ultimate Visibility – For the best viewing experience during your outdoor movie birthday party, your movie should begin 15-30 minutes after dusk. Luckily, in the summertime, waiting for dusk does not require kids to have to stay up beyond a reasonable time.

Supplies for Your Outdoor Movie Birthday Party – For many who are considering an outdoor movie as one of their preferred outdoor party ideas this summer, they may be wondering what an outdoor movie rental company provides. In most cases, a movie rental company will provide the projector, screen and all equipment necessary. The customers are only responsible for the movie choice during their outdoor movie birthday party or family get-together.

Outdoor Maintenance – For the ultimate outdoor movie viewing experience, be sure to freshly mow the lawn and clear away any yard debris, so guests will be free to sit back and enjoy their outdoor movie experience.

Once you’re sure that, of all the family and kid’s birthday party ideas available, an outdoor movie birthday party or gathering of friends and family is your summer party of choice, the only thing left to do is call Home Theatre Connections for an outdoor movie rental quote.  Home Theatre Connections proudly serves Monmouth County, New Jersey with optimum outdoor movie viewing experiences.

The post New Jersey Backyard Birthday Party Ideas appeared first on Home Theatre Connection.