Level Up Your Movie Nights With Your Own Home Theater

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!