Get the cinema experience under your own roof
One of the main reasons the cinema experience remains unmatched for many
is the complete experience it offers—from the big silver screen to
the impressive surround sound, especially the 3D technology.
Even if the pandemic has also limited us from going to theaters as often
as we would like, you can still bring home the coveted cinema experience
for your family to enjoy. A little upgrading to your existing setup would
help, so your audience at home can be fully immersed in the reel world.
To help you achieve that theater-like experience, here are some tips
featuring smart home devices available on the market!
Turn your TV into a Smart TV!
From
Google Store Official Website
In building a smart home theater, the television takes center stage. If
you have a normal TV, you can upgrade it into a smart TV with
Google Chromecast
(starting at ₱3,112). The device comes with a WiFi receiver, video output,
and remote control. Google Chromecast streams audio and video wirelessly
to a bigger screen like your TV. With Google Chromecast, you can
binge-watch these
titles on HBO Go
or
Lionsgate Play! If you’re a PLDT Home subscriber, you can enjoy both
HBO Go and
Lionsgate Play
conveniently charged to your bill.
Smart Projectors
From
Nebula Official Website
Another compact device that you can consider, especially if you want an
awesome movie-viewing experience, is the Nebula Capsule Projector. This
mini portable device is powered by Android TV, just like a smart TV so you
can bring the big screen with you even in your garden, terrace, or
veranda.
At home, you can just project a movie on a blank wall to spice up that
empty corner at home. This device is great for outdoor binge-watching with
family and friends, too—paired with bottles of beer and chips! While
this device is a bit pricey, starting at ₱10,000, it’s definitely
worth the investment because it comes with a 100-inch image, microphone
for voice commands, Chromecast, a built-in speaker, and over 5,000
applications, including YouTube, Hulu, Twitch, and more.
From
Xiaomi Philippines Official Website
An alternative to the Nebula Capsule Projector is the
Xiaomi Mi Smart Compact Projector
(starting at ₱20,000). This compact projector’s specifications
include, but are not limited to Dolby Audio, Google Assistant, smart heat
dissipation, and the Android TV 9.0 operating system. What makes this
different from Nebula, the screen could reach up to a 120-inch display.
Enjoy all your favorite action-packed films on a bigger screen!
Bluetooth Speaker
From
Xiaomi Global Official Website
If you want to have high-quality sound for your movie night,
Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Speaker (16W)
(starting at ₱2,500) works great with smart TVs and projectors. It has a
long battery life that lasts up to 13 hours, so it’s perfect for
movie marathons. If you’re a fan of Xiaomi devices, consider adding
this to your collection because of its Bluetooth 5.0 feature, where you
can enjoy great sound and beats even at a distance. This speaker is also
capable of wireless interconnection technology that supports a series
connection of two speakers so you can tailor your sound experience. It is
IPX7 waterproof, too!
Smart Assistant
From
Google Store Official Website
Google introduced the
Google Home Mini, one
of the affordable smart assistants in the market, starting at ₱1,499. You
can connect Google Home Mini with other smart devices you have, such as
smartphones, TVs, light bulbs, and smart plugs. Your smart home theater
setup can also function with customized commands when integrated into
Google Home Mini. Just say, “Google, it’s movie time!”
To set up your device, you just have to install the Google Home app on
your smartphone and follow the steps featured in
Next Upgrade’s video.
Mood Lights
From
Philips Official Website
Remember the anticipation the moment the lights inside the cinema turn
off? Why not bring some mood lights to simulate the actual movie theater
experience at home? One of the best buys is the
Philips Hue
(starting at ₱1,000), a line of smart lights and accessories, that allow
you to amplify the atmosphere of a room by adjusting the brightness,
color, and temperature of your lights. Set up a mood for movies and create
special moments!
Level up your home theater experience with just a couple of
smart home devices. Watch
Next Upgrade’s video to know more!