As we all know, technology inexorably moves forward. In audio and video, digital technology also continues to evolve and improve. What does that mean? The state-of-the-art home theater from ten years ago is likely in need of an upgrade. Like a ten-year-old car, we're not saying it doesn't work anymore – but it’s not delivering on what the latest technology can do.

Like today's cars that might have significantly more horsepower and far more intelligence than one from just 2012, today's home theater technology offers a more immersive entertainment experience. If the home theater design in your Ladue, MO, home goes back more than even five years ago, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Keep reading for four must-have features every home cinema should have in 2022.  

SEE ALSO: What’s It Like Working with a Professional for Your Home Theater Design?

4K Projectors

Going back just five or six years ago, 4K resolution projectors were not as prevalent as today. While 4K TV flat panels were mainstream, 4K projection was still mostly found only in a few high-end home theaters. Today, 4K projectors are mainstream. On top of that, like flat-panel TVs, 4K projectors now have HDR (high dynamic range) capability, which yields the eye-popping color and contrast that make even more of an impact on your entertainment on the largest screens. If you want to be on the leading edge of state-of-the-art, 8K projectors are also now available, for those that want the best.

Dolby Atmos Immersive Sound

Introduced in 2015, Dolby Atmos has changed the game in surround sound. Dolby Atmos – and competitive formats like DTS:X – have given audio engineers more freedom to create three-dimensional soundscapes in the best movie and show soundtracks. The result is the “you are there” feeling of being in the middle of the scene and not just hearing the sound. Dolby Atmos requires ceiling or up-firing speakers for the overhead sound effects and a modern receiver or processor to decode the format. Fortunately, Dolby Atmos soundtracks are common in streaming shows from Netflix, Apple TV+. Disney+ and more, movies on Vudu, and media server systems like Kaleidescape.

Effortless Control

Home theaters can be complicated affairs. Projectors, sound systems, lighting, power conditioning, and other equipment all play a part in the experience. Home theaters are for pure entertainment, and they shouldn’t be a chore to operate. A comprehensive smart control system should be standard in any modern home theater. From a customized remote or touchscreen, you should be able to press a button to dim the lights, start the projector, turn on the sound to all the right settings, and play the movie. When you’re done, one button shuts off the whole room while you walk away.

Custom Design

Today's home theaters can take advantage of the latest virtual reality technologies. There's no need to guess what your finished home theater will look like. With modern tools like Modus VR, home theater designers can mock up a virtual theater to your requirements. What’s more, the model can also analyze how your home theater will sound with the room layout, furnishings, and seating arrangement. VR design lets you envision your home theater and allows us to ensure that it performs to your expectations.

Are you ready for a state-of-the-art home theater? To learn more, call us today at (636) 939-4474 or reach out on our contact page. We look forward to working with you!