Samsung, meanwhile, announced at CES this month its new 2023 OLED models which are now available in 77-inch. This new line-up is packed full of features including Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology (developed for its Neo QLEDs) which creates a naturally bright and colourful picture. Despite OLED grabbing all the headlines, this


isn’t the only technology that’s leaping forward – just look at Sony’s Mini-LED technology. Its X95 and Z9K ranges pack five times more LEDs behind the screen than its conventional counterparts for a brighter picture and better blacks… “At this rate of development, the year ahead is looking incredibly bright for Mini-LED,” exclaims Mr Tickle. “Expect to see a lot more interactivity on big- screen TVs of the future,” adds Mr Glynn. “Gadgets like virtual reality headsets and eyewear that can be paired with TVs will offer consumers endless ways to utilise their tech.


“And why not also try this tech to assist with in-store sales? Augmented reality see-in-home tools on smartphones and tablets are a great way for consumers to visualise what a product will look like in situ in their own home.”


Project yourself


In terms of projection, displays are larger and brighter than ever before, with some brands claiming to support 2,500 nits in a direct view 70- inch and greater display. Resolutions are stretching as high as 8K – despite the lack of mainstream content – and many companies are shipping 120Hz products as well as those that can accommodate Variable Refresh Rates. Walt Zerbe, Senior Director of Technology and


Standards at CEDIA, also explains: “Another area experiencing rapid growth is Ultra Short Throw laser TVs. These devices are providing 100 to 150-inch video for a fraction of the cost a similar direct view display would yield.”


The L9 Laser TV from Hisense is a good example; it utilises an ultra-short throw projector to deliver 120- inch screen content, and Mr Tickle says solutions like these provide a home cinema experience without the need for a dedicated cinema room… “cue an explosion of multi-functional home media rooms,” he jokes. “People could use almost any size space with this.” There’s also Hisense’s PX1-Pro projector (far left), complete with a TriChroma laser engine which achieves 107 per cent of coverage of the BT.2020 colour space to provides the most true-to-life picture possible. AWE covers all various requirements and price points at its demo headquarters, from entry and mid- level Epson projectors through to Sony Native 4K SXRD Laser projectors – which are not only compact,


17


high brightness and suitable


for a wide variety of home cinema projects, but the picture quality really must be seen to be believed! Elsewhere, Samsung has The Premiere projector which can display a screen up to 130 inches, but for something totally different… and portable!... there’s the Freestyle projector (pictured left)..


A multi-functional, small and compact projector,


it’s Freestyle by name and nature, cleverly designed to improvise a screen almost anywhere. It is also a smart speaker and ambient lighting device that’s easy to carry to enjoy big-screen moments on the move.


Keep it under control Away from the products themselves, custom installation and add-on services provide unique extra margin opportunities for the independent retailer in this growing market… “If you’re not offering everything required to create the big screen experience, your customer may go elsewhere to finish the project,” warns Mr Tickle.. The convenience of dedicated control options will really bring the whole setup to life. Entry-level solutions that are scalable, such as the new Expressway Software and processor from URC, for example, provide a great sell-in opportunity and allow consumers to navigate


more products and solutions via a single platform. Users can integrate almost anything across the home, from heating and lighting to audio and window blinds, all at the touch of a button via an app or a touch screen panel, or via voice control. In store, Mr Zerbe believes that the perfect demo


space should showcase appropriate display sizes and calibrated audio systems, while light creeping in from windows should be blocked out completely. “When a potential customer sits down and is completely immersed in the demo, they will have a strong impulse to purchase as many won’t have experienced anything like it before.” Don’t forget the seat-to-screen distance ratio, he goes on: “The general rule is that a viewer should sit two- and-a-half to three screen heights away from the screen. For a 36-inch screen (the typical height for a 77-inch display), the viewer should sit between seven-and-a-half and nine feet away.


“Similar rules apply for audio,” adds Mr Zerbe. “Expertly-placed and calibrated speakers with proper acoustical treatments will convey the audio the way the creator intended, which will be instantly impressive!”


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