Let’s go outside: transforming gardens into hi-tech entertainment spaces
No longer the reserve of media rooms and kitchen discos, home entertainment has evolved to encompass the great outdoors, transforming our gardens into entertainment hubs for year-round alfresco enjoyment.
For architects and interior designers, this trend provides a host of creative possibilities to bring the indoors outside and even more scope for designing exceptional spaces.
A key thread for holding a great outdoor entertainment space together and making it truly sing is technology. In a serene garden, at dinnertime on the patio, or a at pool party, the right audiovisual and lighting solution can elevate every client experience, making the seamless transition from indoors to outdoors with comparable comfort and functionality.
Alfresco audio
Outdoor audio systems have evolved far beyond simple weatherproof speakers. They are now stylish, robust, fully integrated solutions that enhance the ambience of an outdoor space.
Professionally installed outdoor speakers can be discreetly hung, wall-mounted, staked into the ground or placed anywhere that suits your design to deliver space-filling, 360-degree ambient sound without audio ‘hot spots’.
Some are multi-purpose, for example Episode Radiance by Snap One is a sleek all-in-one solution that acts as both a speaker and lighting system – making it ideal for pathways and patios.
Snap One case study featuring Episode speakers - Photography by Dave Thrower
Cinema under the stars
Thanks to rapid advances in LED TV technologies, outdoor cinema areas are now being fitted with TVs as well as ultra-bright projectors. Professional TVs, available via installers, can now support exceptional image quality, without glare, even in full daylight.
Take the Sony Bravia XR Mini-LED 75” – the brightest ever 4K BRAVIA while optimising energy efficiency via an Eco Dashboard function. Not only does this screen support Dolby Atmos and spatial audio for incredible sound, but it’s ultra-slim and looks fantastic. It also boasts X-Anti Reflection™, so pictures are clearer with less reflection and glare.
For sports fans and movie lovers, outdoor cinema set-ups coupled with installed audio create a truly immersive experience. And, for late night viewing without disturbing the neighbours, many smart home audio brands – including Sonos {photo at top of page] and Bowers & Wilkins – offer headphones that can replicate the same spatial audio experience but on a more personal level.
Get in control
Of course, gardens aren’t renowned for their wi-fi capabilities so when it comes to seamless content streaming, a reliable network is vital. Professional control solutions such as Crestron, Control4 or URC built on properly designed network infrastructure can ensure dependable connectivity, avoiding any ‘out of range’ frustrations and delivering seamless intuitive control of systems.
For the ultimate in convenience, these control solutions will also integrate outdoor AV with devices within the home such as AV, lighting and HVAC, ensuring every part of the home is simple to operate from a smart phone or touch screen. Having a night-time pool party? Simply call up a pre-set to instantly dim the lights and change the music to suit the scenario – or many others.
By integrating innovative outdoor audio systems into your projects, you can increase your service offering and meet the growing demand for personalised, tech-enhanced living spaces.
Stay informed!
ISE is the world-renowned annual tech show for the AV and systems integration industry, taking place in Barcelona, 4-7 February 2025. It will spotlight the latest smart home solutions from leading manufacturers, including audio systems that transform any outdoor space into a haven of sound and style.
To discover the latest solutions and innovations from the smart home suppliers exhibiting at ISE, as well as the hottest industry trends, sign up now for updates.
Don't miss out – join our community today and stay at the forefront of smart home technology.-
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