
If one thing is certain, it's that home theatre technology advancements are very promising for 2025. It's never been a better time to upgrade your home audio setup, between old systems getting futuristic upgrades, new devices emerging on consumer markets, and powerful AI integration. Today, we'll look at five home audio trends that you should keep on your radar heading into 2025.
1. Wireless Audio Solutions: The Era of Connectivity
If you have invested in home audio speakers, you've likely noticed the wave of wireless speakers and smart speakers. One of the most noteworthy trends dominating the home audio industry this year has been the presence of wireless technology.
Wireless speakers, subwoofers, and audio streamers have become reliable, high-quality options for today's audiophiles. Low costs and advancements in audio compression have resulted in a wide variety of great options for consumers. Additionally, the accessibility and strength of modern home WiFi allow a convenient Bluetooth connection. With brands offering cutting-edge wireless setups, you can enjoy synchronised audio from room to room without the clutter of cables, allowing more people to avoid lengthy installation challenges.
2. Spatial Audio: Expanding Sound Dimensions
With the astounding progress that companies like Dolby have made in recent years, 3D sound has become widely accessible to audio lovers of all forms. Spatial audio devices, such as soundbars and speakers compatible with Dolby Atmos, have flooded the market with affordable options.
This technology creates an immersive experience for the listener, balancing audio levels between four, six, or even 9+ audio points. Spatial audio goes beyond surround sound, which simply plays audio from different speakers around a room. Songs or movie audio that are Dolby Atmos mixed can provide a much deeper listening experience because it uses audio filters that replicate how our ears perceive time, distance, and direction.
3. AI Audio Learning and Smart Device Integration
Artificial Intelligence has, no doubt, transformed the world of audio. AI technologies are currently used to analyse room acoustics and make corrective adjustments to compensate. Companies like Sonarworks give users hardware that can listen to their room, identify frequencies that peak out, and tame frequencies to create a balanced sound. For instance, if you find that you have corners of your room that trap a lot of bass, AI-assisted tools can drop out the bass frequencies of the audio being played so that you can hear crystal-clear, true-to-sound audio.
This year is also seeing a rise in smart device integration, a trend that has been growing in popularity for over a decade. Smart Home devices can connect nearly every piece of technology in your home, including your TV, wireless speakers, and even your fridge or microwave. Whether you're using Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or other proprietary smart devices, you can control your speakers or soundbars with voice-activated assistants. This can bring a hands-free, intuitive audio experience that brings convenience to your day-to-day.
4. Bigger is Better: TV Sizes Continue to Grow
2024 saw no shortage of growth when it came to TV sizes, and 2025 won't be any different. Despite the shrinking sizes of smartphone screens, there has been a noticeable increase in the size of TV screens. One in five TVs produced worldwide is 60 inches or more, according to TrendForce, and there is no indication that screen sizes will go down.
This increase in popularity comes from improved affordability from TV manufacturers like Samsung and TLC. Production costs are going down rapidly thanks to advances in manufacturing and material prices. Smart TV technology also means that manufacturers can make money off of ads on home screens, allowing TVs to be sold at cost.
5. Portable Projectors: Versatility on the Go
Portable projectors are a surprising trend on this year's list. A range of short-throw projectors hit the market these past few years as exciting and convenient alternatives to standard LED TVs. These projectors have a small base that is often supported by leg stands and can project a rectangular image over large blank surfaces such as projector screens. This means you can project images up to 130" without buying a large flatscreen TV. The projector screens are often much cheaper, but the projectors themselves can carry a high price tag. They often have high-quality built-in speakers that prevent you from needing to purchase additional speakers, although most audiophiles around here already have their stereos ready to roll with a projector set up.
Conclusion
2025 is slated to be an exciting year for home theatre lovers. Major brands have been extremely innovative, and as a result, futuristic tech is making its way further into the everyday living room. Last year's trends have produced great options for improving your home audio setup, no matter your lifestyle, goals, or budget. Whether you're looking for wireless options, want to upgrade your TV, or explore spatial audio, Selby can bring you the products you're looking for at a fair price with unbeatable customer service. By staying up-to-date with these trends, you can ensure your home audio setup is ahead of the curve, delivering an immersive and personalised listening experience like never before.