Are you still watching your favorite films or shows on a small screen? While you may think what you have is “good enough,” you could be enjoying the immersive experience of a home theater system.

If you’re curious about adding a private cinema to your home, you may be wondering which screen is the superior option. It can be confusing to decide whether a TV or projector is best, so continue reading to learn which will suit your Lake Norman, NC home theater.

SEE ALSO: 3 Things to Know Before Adding a Home Theater System

Ultra HD TV Screens

With impressive size and clearer-than-ever images, the Sony MASTER Series screens are vast enough to feel like you’re enjoying a night at the movies. The ultra-flat televisions range up to 98” wide diagonally, and OLED technology illuminates each of its eight million pixels individually. Sony technology creates deeper blacks, brighter colors, and better gradient handling, making the manufacturer our choice for home theaters. Grandest of them all, theirZ9G screen is displayed in 8K definition and uses X-tended Dynamic Range to boost brightness in required areas from stored energy. The built-in speakers and subwoofer are a great place to start for home theater audio, too, so you can enjoy sound mixing as filmmakers intended it.  

Projector Screens

You may think the screen is the least important part of a home theater. After all, can’t you project an image onto a wall or sheet? Not exactly. Depending on the amount of light in your home theater room, your projector could benefit from specific screen materials or colors to absorb the most light.

As an interior designer, you’re probably ahead of the curve when it comes to trends in color, fabrics, and furniture arrangements. But what about smart home technology? Many designers avoid dipping their toes into integrated technology because it seems too complicated, unrelated to design, or frankly, not visually appealing. But adding smart systems to your design portfolio will give you a competitive advantage over other designers in your area. Plus, there are stylish new devices built to blend in with each room’s facade (more on that below).

You don’t need to be a technology expert to add home automation to your interior design process. By partnering with a smart home company, you’ll open yourself up to new possibilities that homeowners will love. Keep reading to discover how Charlotte, NC homes will benefit from approaching technology with style.

SEE ALSO: A Day in the Life with Audio and Entertainment in Every Room

Hidden Screens  

Most designers agree that it’s no longer ‘in’ to arrange a living room or media room around a screen. While we’re more connected than ever, there’s been a recent cultural shift in our approach to technology. Many are taking breaks from their screens in the name of wellness. While we still love our HD screens for shows and films, the presence of large displays does not feel like a relaxing escape from our plugged-in world.  

The solution? Hidden technology, with in-ceiling and in-floor TV mounts that raise and lower a high-definition flat screen at one press of a button. Screens can swivel too, so they can emerge and fit into any space without compromising the room design. Seura’s smart mirrors function as sleek mirrors that display smart home information like a futuristic magic mirror. By tapping on the screen or using voice commands, users can explore everything from the weather to music control on the glass. Equally magical are Seura’s mirror TVs. When the show is over, and the screen is turned off, your client’s TVs will turn into a fully functioning mirror!

If you’re like most people, you’re currently renting a router and modem from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You may be wondering if that’s the best option the world of technology can offer you. The short answer is no—renting from your ISP is not always the best option, and there are several reasons purchasing your own has its advantages.

As a home networking company in Charlotte, NC, we specialize in all things network and home technology. If you’re looking to make the most of your smart home or want better connectivity, continue reading our pointers below.

SEE ALSO: Is Your Smart Home Up to Date?

Lower Cost

Even if renting a router only costs around $10 a month, you can easily make up for the cost by owning in a year. You’re probably planning on using the internet indefinitely, so why pay unnecessary fees and continue to rent? If you decide to buy a modem too, that might take up to two years to match the cost of renting, but eventually, you’ll be saving. Plus, you’ll enjoy the rest of the benefits below.

Better Performance

Although some ISP routers provide exceptional speed and reliability, it’s hard to know what you’ll get. If your provider doesn’t send you a brand-new model, you may unknowingly be using outdated equipment. Some routers are built to provide better Wi-Fi in hard-to-reach places to eliminate dead spots. If your Charlotte, North Carolina home includes lots of signal-stopping walls, you may be better off with a custom router.

It’s no surprise that music has proven positive effects on stress levels, moods, and well-being. We all recognize the blissful feeling we experience when music’s turned on at home, whether we’re grilling outdoors or playing a board game. But if your household is like most, you may only have one or two speakers in one room, likely the kitchen or living room. You may find yourself forgetting to turn it on, and weeks may go by before you use the speaker again.

But what if your entire home was equipped with speakers that synch together? As you walk from one room to another, your favorite album will follow you wherever you go. To envision what life is like with a multi-room home audio video system, continue reading below. You may realize that whole home AV is the upgrade that your Lake Norman, NC house needs.  

SEE ALSO: 3 Ways to Use Whole Home Audio

Mornings with Music

Whether you’re an early bird or night owl, we all face resistance waking up from time to time. Inspire wakeful mornings with soft, folksy playlists emitted from your whole-home audio system, whether they’re in-wall speakers, floor-standing speakers, or smaller bookshelf models. From your control system app, you can schedule speakers to start playing music at a set time, so rather than endure an annoying alarm, you’ll be greeted by pleasant tunes.

Interior designers, help your clients create a destination in their homes to gather and make memories—a media room! In a dedicated media room, families can enjoy the high-resolution entertainment of a private theater with added freedom to chat over drinks or play pool while the game’s on. They can settle in the dark to watch a film on the big screen or play cards while music swells from speakers and a subwoofer.

To truly ‘wow’ with design, we’ve rounded up the latest media room installation trends that your clients will love. And if you’re in the Charlotte, North Carolina region, The Integrated Home is your partner for all entertainment installations. Continue reading to learn more!

SEE ALSO: Install Media Components Into Any Room

1. Float the Furniture

It’s many people’s instinct to push couches and seating against a wall. But when you ‘float’ sofas in the middle of the room, you’ll create a space behind seating for games, a wine bar, and other activities. Folks can still relax and watch the screen from recliners and couches or have fun on the other side of the room. This will make the media room appear longer, freeing up space for more possibilities.

2. Hidden Technology

Is there a way to make a large TV screen and speakers appear minimalist? Yes, there is! If your client strives for sparse design, incorporate hidden technology solutions like an in-ceiling projector screen and in-wall speakers. When it’s time to start a movie, all your client will need to do is press a button on their smartphone or remote to lower the screen. In-floor screens that rise are a possibility, too. For robust surround sound, speakers can be placed inside walls, reducing the appearance of bulky technology. Plus, new mirror and artwork TVs disguise the screen’s appearance when not in use, so clients can enjoy the background while chatting with guests.