Home theaters can be the ultimate way to watch your favorite shows, movies and sports. But they’re not exactly cheap. From 4K projectors and soundbars to multi-socket surge protectors and portable digital recorders, there’s no shortage of home theater gadgets out there.
And while some of these fancy extras are worth every penny (we’re looking at you, popcorn maker), many are unnecessary in the grand scheme of things and only make your wallet cry harder than when you pay for tickets to see The Lion King on Broadway for the umpteenth time!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Setting up a home theater requires careful planning and the right equipment. |
| – There are many gadgets and devices available to enhance your home theater experience. |
| – Consider factors such as sound, lighting, and seating when designing your home theater. |
| – Upgrading your home theater system can require a significant investment, but can be worth the cost for many homeowners. |
| – To take your home theater to the next level, consider adding some of the innovative gadgets and devices mentioned in this article. |
1) A Multi-Socket Surge Protector
With all the gear you’re going to be plugging in, it’s a good idea to get a surge protector. A good one will protect your equipment from electrical spikes that can fry your TV and speakers.
There are three main qualities to look for in a surge protector: amperage capacity, voltage rating, and joule rating.
Amperage capacity refers to how many amps each socket can handle in other words, how much electricity goes through each outlet at one time (for example: 200). Voltage ratings indicate the maximum amount of voltage that can pass through an outlet without damaging your gear—like this one for instance (500).
And finally there’s joule rating which measures how well an appliance is protected against surges or power spikes caused by lightning strikes and other problems outside of your house.(1)
If you want to enjoy your movie night at home to the fullest, set up a home theater like a pro with our ultimate guide on setting up a home theater like a pro. From finding the perfect room to selecting the right equipment, we’ve got you covered.
2) Wireless Headphones
If you’re a frequent traveler, or just someone who likes their things in order and organized, then wireless headphones will be right up your alley.
They offer a much more convenient option than wired ones because they don’t have to be plugged into anything to work. This means that they can be moved around freely—and that makes all the difference when it comes to convenience.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all wireless devices are created equal: some might have shorter range than others (which is usually measured in feet), while others may require charging before use.
If you want something with long range and no maintenance requirements (like charging), look at models like Sennheiser HD 598 Cs Closed-Back Headphones or Sony WH1000XM2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones – Black which both boast ranges of up to 330 feet!
3) 4k Projector
A projector is a device that projects an image onto a surface, such as a wall or screen. It’s not just for business presentations anymore!
A 4K (a.k.a UltraHD) projector can be connected to most modern devices including smartphones and laptops and will display an HD picture on your wall or ceiling in high definition quality.
This means you get a big, bright image that’s almost like watching television in your home theater room except it’s even better since the picture fills up an entire wall instead of just taking up part of the screen like on TV sets do nowadays!
The best part about using these projectors is they’re so easy to set up: Just plug them into your HDMI port on your TV or gaming system and you’re good to go!
You can also use them with other devices like Blu-ray players if needed too (some models come with built-in speakers so no additional equipment needs installed either!).
Plus there are tons of different sizes available depending upon how much space there is available inside each room at home where one might want own one for themselves too…
Don’t settle for a mediocre entertainment experience. Upgrade your home theater setup with our guide on getting the most out of your home entertainment system. Learn how to optimize your sound system, improve picture quality, and more.
4) Soundbar
A soundbar is a speaker that sits in front of your TV, usually under the screen. If you have a large TV and want to get better sound without having to buy additional speakers, a soundbar is an easy solution.
Most new TVs come with built-in speakers but they aren’t great quality and don’t fill up the room well enough for watching movies or listening to music. A soundbar can deliver rich bass and clear highs so that everything sounds full and balanced.
Soundbars are available in different sizes from 7″ all the way up to 50″, which would be overkill for most homes so it’s important to choose one based on how much space you have available under your TV or entertainment center where it will sit properly (and not fall).
You’ll also want to consider whether or not you want wireless connectivity (Bluetooth) so that you can connect mobile devices like phones or tablets wirelessly through Bluetooth technology instead of using cables for audio output from these devices directly into the receiver.”
5) Digital Media Player
Digital media players are a great option for those who want to be able to watch their favorite shows and movies from any device, with no subscription required.
A digital media player can be a great addition to your home theater setup if you own a lot of DVDs or Blu-rays that you want to watch over and over again, but it’s important not to underestimate how much streaming services have made these obsolete.
Digital media players also do not allow users the same freedom as other devices in terms of watching whatever they want when they want.
6) Wi-Fi Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a device that can be controlled remotely using an app on your phone or tablet.
It allows you to adjust the temperature of your home while you’re away from it, meaning you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic on a cold day and having no way to warm up once home.
However, these smart thermostats are not just limited to being operated by apps—you can also control them using voice commands with Siri (Apple), Alexa (Amazon Echo), or Google Assistant (Google Home).
This means that no matter the brand of device you prefer, there will likely be some way for it work with your iPhone or Android smartphone.
Ready to take your movie night to the next level? Check out our list of amazing home theater ideas to transform your space into a cinematic wonderland. From cozy seating to immersive lighting, these ideas will make your experience unforgettable.
7) Universal Remote Control
Universal remotes can control your TV, but they can also do a whole lot more. You can program them to control other devices, like an amplifier or a Blu-Ray player. This is useful if you want to use your universal remote with different types of equipment.
For example: If all your audio gear is connected to your home theater PC, you could use one universal remote for everything.
Or if you have two separate receivers and two separate Blu-Ray players, each with its own brand of infrequently used features (like 3D or 4K), using a universal remote will allow you to access both at once without having to switch between remotes when switching between devices.
You can even put specific commands onto each button so that pressing one button will turn on the TV and launch Netflix in one step!
Comparison of Popular Universal Remote Controls
| Brand/Model | Control Type | Device Compatibility | Connectivity | Voice Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech Harmony Elite | Touchscreen | 270,000+ devices | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR, RF | Yes (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa) |
| Caavo Control Center | Button-based & Voice | 500,000+ devices | HDMI, IR | Yes (Google Assistant) |
| Sevenhugs Smart Remote | Touchscreen | 650,000+ devices | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR | Yes (Alexa and Google Assistant) |
| BroadLink RM4 pro | App-based | 50,000+ devices | Wi-Fi, IR, RF | Yes (Alexa and Google Assistant) |
| Philips Prestigo SRT9320 | Touchscreen | 20,000+ devices | IR | No |
Universal remote controls are the ultimate solution for controlling your home entertainment devices with ease. This table compares some of the most popular universal remote controls from top brands, such as Logitech, Caavo, Sevenhugs, BroadLink, and Philips.
Consider the control type, device compatibility, connectivity options, and voice control compatibility of each remote to find the best option for your needs.
8) Ambient Light Kit
Ambient light kits are perfect for adding a little extra light to any room of your home. They can be used to accentuate the mood in your home theater, or they can be used as an all-purpose lighting solution for the rest of your house.
Ambient lights come with remote controls that allow you to turn them on and off, dim their brightness, change the color temperature (to make them warmer or cooler), or even set up automatic timers so they will turn themselves off after a certain amount of time has passed.
Some ambient lighting systems include LEDs which work great for creating that “pop” for movie watching experiences but may not provide enough warmth during evening hours when reading or relaxing with family members around a fire place.
If you’re looking for an option that adds some extra warmth but doesn’t require drilling holes into walls (and isn’t quite as bright) then consider using candles instead!
9) Streaming Media Player
A streaming media player is a simple and affordable way to get the most out of your TV. It allows you to stream content from the internet, giving you access to movies, TV shows, music and more.
Using one of these devices is easy: just plug it in and connect it to your Wi-Fi network or home theater system (if necessary). Most models are compatible with any television as well as any TV provider.
Looking for ways to upgrade your entertainment system? Our guide on mind-blowing home entertainment system upgrades offers some truly innovative ideas to take your home theater to the next level. From a motorized projector screen to a sound-proofed listening room, these upgrades will blow your mind.
10) Usb Wall Outlet
The USB wall outlet is a great, simple way to provide extra power to charge your devices without taking up space on the outlet. The best part is that it makes charging easier than ever before. Just plug it in and you’re good to go!
You can use this device with any USB-powered device like your phone, tablet or laptop. It’s perfect for anyone who needs extra power at home but doesn’t want to spend money on an expensive surge protector or multiple wall outlets.
11) Bluetooth Speakers
If you’re looking for a way to play the music from your smartphone or tablet in a different room, Bluetooth speakers are perfect.
These small devices are incredibly easy to use, and can be installed quickly without any special tools or equipment. You can also find them in a variety of price ranges and styles from high-end audiophile models with built-in amplifiers and multiple drivers all the way down to cheap plastic units that sell for less than $20.
The only downside is that they usually require batteries, so if they run out while you’re listening to something important (like an emergency call), you’ll have no choice but to shut everything down until they recharge again.
Comparison of Popular Bluetooth Speakers
| Brand/Model | Battery Life | Waterproof | Connectivity | Voice Assistant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Move | 10 hours | Yes | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Yes (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa) |
| Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 | 20 hours | Yes | Bluetooth | Yes (Amazon Alexa) |
| JBL Flip 5 | 12 hours | Yes | Bluetooth | No |
| Bose SoundLink Revolve+ | 16 hours | Yes | Bluetooth | Yes (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri) |
| Sony SRS-XB43 | 24 hours | Yes | Bluetooth | Yes (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri) |
Bluetooth speakers offer convenient, wireless sound for any setting. When choosing a Bluetooth speaker, there are several factors to consider, including battery life, waterproof rating, connectivity options, and voice assistant compatibility.
This table compares some of the most popular Bluetooth speakers from top brands, such as Sonos, Ultimate Ears, JBL, Bose, and Sony. Compare the features of each model carefully to find the speaker that best fits your needs and preferences.
12) Portable Digital Recorder
A portable digital recorder is a great tool for recording your child’s soccer game, piano recital or other special event so you can relive the moment later on.
The recorder will also record TV shows and movies directly to the device, so you don’t have to worry about losing your favorite show in a cable box or DVR system crash.
13) Popcorn Maker
If you’re looking for a gift for the movie-lover in your life, consider buying them a popcorn maker. It’s easy to use and makes popcorn in just minutes.
The machine also comes with accessories that allow it to be used as a snack bar. In addition to popcorn, the machine can make pretzels, crackers and even s’mores!
Want to keep up with the latest smart home technology trends? Check out our list of most popular smart home devices on the market today. From voice-activated assistants to smart door locks, these devices offer convenience, security, and style for any home.
14) Home Theater Pc (Htpc Or Htpc) Or Gaming Pc
A home theater PC (HTPC) is a computer that is used to play back video and audio content. It can be a desktop or laptop computer, but it should be connected to a television or HDTV, which will serve as the primary display device.
HTPCs are usually used for media centers, playing back recorded video files and streaming video from online sources like Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Prime. An HTPC can also be used as a gaming system and if you have one of these devices already in your living room with an HDTV connected to it, then it’s easy enough to simply add on some gaming peripherals like controllers or keyboards/mice if that’s what you want out of your new setup!
Comparison of Home Theater PCs and Gaming PCs
| Features | Home Theater PC | Gaming PC |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Low to mid-range CPU | High-end CPU |
| GPU | Integrated or low-end GPU | High-end GPU |
| Memory | 4GB to 8GB RAM | 16GB to 32GB RAM |
| Storage | Small capacity SSD or HDD | Large capacity SSD or HDD |
| Cooling | Low-noise cooling systems | High-performance cooling systems |
| Form Factor | Small, compact size | Large, tower-style shape |
| Input Devices | Wireless keyboard and mouse | Gaming keyboard and mouse |
| Audio Output | Stereo speakers or soundbar | Surround sound system |
| Price | Affordable | Expensive |
A home theater PC (HTPC) or gaming PC can serve as the central hub for your home entertainment setup. While both types of PCs have some similarities, there are some key differences to consider when choosing between them.
A HTPC is designed for multimedia consumption with a focus on quiet operation, whereas a gaming PC is optimized for high-performance gaming with top-of-the-line components. Consider your needs and budget carefully when deciding which type of PC to choose.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve outlined the top 15 home theater gadgets you never knew you needed. From the humble surge protector to the futuristic digital recorder and everything in between, there are so many amazing tools available for those looking to upgrade their entertainment experience at home.
Further Reading
Looking for more inspiration and ideas for home theater gadgets? Check out these articles:
28 Useful Gadgets For Your Home You Probably Didn’t Realize You Needed from Buzzfeed. Discover innovative and useful gadgets that can make life at home easier and more enjoyable.
The 30 Best Home Gadgets of 2019 from PopSugar. Explore the latest and greatest home gadgets of the year, from smart mirrors to smart pet feeders.
Gadgets to get a theatre-like experience at home from Vijay Sales. Learn about gadgets specifically designed to enhance your home theater experience, from projectors to soundbars.
FAQs
What is a home theater?
A home theater is a dedicated space in your home designed to replicate the cinematic experience of a commercial movie theater. It typically includes a large screen or projector, high-quality sound system, comfortable seating, and ambient lighting.
What are some benefits of having a home theater?
Having a home theater can provide a number of benefits, including the ability to enjoy movies and TV shows in the comfort of your own home, the ability to customize your viewing experience, and potential cost savings over going to the movies regularly.
What kind of equipment do I need for a home theater?
To create a home theater, you will need a few key pieces of equipment, including a large screen or projector, a high-quality sound system, comfortable seating, and appropriate lighting. Additional equipment, such as media players and streaming devices, may also be useful.
How much does it cost to create a home theater?
The cost of creating a home theater can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the space, the quality of the equipment, and the complexity of the setup. A basic home theater setup can start at a few thousand dollars, while a high-end setup can cost tens of thousands.
Can I create a home theater in a small space?
Yes, it is possible to create a home theater in a small space. With the right equipment and setup, you can create a movie theater experience in almost any room of your home.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James and I’m a writer and editor with a passion for home technology. I’ve been working in this field for over 10 years, so I know what it’s like to be a part of the growing field of smart home technology. I’ve written about everything from how to choose the right smart thermostat to what the best smart doorbell is for your needs.
