These are exciting times for the world of home entertainment. Dramatic changes in how consumers find, and view TV shows, movies and other content online are causing the media and entertainment industry to offer a greater selection of high-quality content that is available conveniently on-demand, and on any device.

The trends shaping the media and entertainment sector, namely online streaming, changing distribution models and online gaming, accelerated in the past year necessitated by people spending more time at home during the pandemic. Evidence suggests that these trends will not completely reverse in the future. According to research from Bain & Company, Southeast Asia’s digital consumers reported that they intend to stay at home for shopping and leisure more than they did pre-Covid and are 1.5 times less likely to dine out or go to a cinema than their counterparts in the United States. Spending on home décor and in-home entertainment solutions in the region support this possibility, as rising populations with disposable income and widening access to the internet drive consumer demand.

As the digital media universe expands, home entertainment setups are evolving to incorporate more seamless connectivity with a growing number of devices. Projector technology has also advanced, making it more feasible for mainstream consumers than before. Rather than opting for costlier smart TVs, today’s home projectors can deliver cinematic picture quality and the flexibility to turn rooms into multi-functional spaces that can accommodate a workout or family movie night. As TV and online entertainment trends continue to shape the market, projectors are expanding the boundaries of what people can achieve with home entertainment.

TV and entertainment trends to watch

The online streaming industry grew by 14% in Asia Pacific in 2020, with total revenues expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% to reach US $54.5 billion by 2025, according to Media Partners Asia. Movie studios are also successfully using new content distribution models such as premium video on demand (PVOD), or paid early access to new films online, to drive revenue in lieu of ticket sales from theaters. Gaming and e-sports, both as a hobby and competitive pursuit, is another entertainment trend that has grown significantly in Southeast Asia. In 2019, the sector recorded year-on-year growth of 16%. The vast and intriguing opportunities in the region make it a diverse market to watch.

These trends underscore the pace of digital adoption and the need for home entertainment systems that can deliver high-quality picture and sound to households with multiple devices and interests.

Today’s projector capabilities

Home entertainment projectors have developed over time to provide a flexible, portable, low-cost alternative to flatscreen televisions, particularly in smaller rooms. This enables users to elevate the experiences of watching e-sports or other live sporting events – as well as at-home workouts – with just a white screen, or wall, and a wireless connection to a mobile device or tablet. While costs of TVs become prohibitive beyond 80 inches, projectors with 100-inch screens are more accessible to consumers who want theater-like experiences at home. Some of the latest Epson models also bring entertainment viewing to life on its massive screens with high-quality 4K picture resolution.

Epson’s EpiqVision Laser Projection TVs produce bright images from virtually anywhere inside your home, and even outdoors, and can project up to 150 inches without a screen. Compared to 1 chip projectors on the market, Epson’s 3LCD technology delivers a wider range of color that is more comfortable for the eyes. That means there is no need to darken a room to comfortably view the screen. The inclusion of Yamaha’s latest AudioEngine™ DSP technology in some EpiqVision models produce an impressive sound stage to deliver a big-screen, surround-sound theater experience that rivals dedicated high-end audio systems and soundbars.

Ultra-short throw projector models can be used in any size room due to technology that directs the image away from the screen, before reflecting it back onto the display to enable projection from much shorter distances. Users can easily adjust the viewing screen size from 60 inches up to 130 inches and create a 100-inch screen with 3 meters distance.

Built-in Android TV™ and wireless connectivity with Chromecast™ enable the Epson EpiqVision Laser Projection TV to offer seamless access to popular streaming services including Hulu, HBO, Disney+, and YouTube, plus the ability to cast content directly from a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Additionally, gamers enjoy playing their favorite games from the Google Play or console via an HDMI port.

Home projectors offer consumers the ability to create versatile and affordable home entertainment spaces without compromising on the picture quality. The latest projector models from Epson enable wireless connectivity as well as ultra-short throw projection capabilities that makes it an ideal addition to a home entertainment system to keep up with rapid changes in technology.

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