It’s that time of the year, the Big Game is coming and we know football fans are looking for the setup of the century to take in all four quarters — and of course, the halftime entertainment too.
We chatted with Home Expert Nikki Jones in Columbus, Ohio, to get some insight and tips on the latest tech and products that’ll shake up your watch party.
Finding the right TV
Of course, the most important part of your game day viewing is the big screen you’ll be watching it on. You’ve probably heard the term LED, light-emitting diode, but now you can take advantage of new technology like mini-LED and OLED, organic light-emitting diode, display panels.
Mini-LED TV lights are smaller than traditional LEDs, which allows for more specific diode control that improves how and where colors appear on your screen. They’re also brighter, which can make the game pop while you’re watching it.
In OLED panels, each pixel works independently to lighten or darken the display, allowing for perfect black levels and better contrast and colors. The technology also provides wide viewing angles, so you’ll have the perfect view of the game from every seat in the room.
“Mini-LED TVs show the picture in deeper colors, which can make all the difference while you’re watching the game from your couch,” Jones said. “OLED technology is another great option, as the individual pixels deliver sharp images and great motion rates that are incredibly important for game day.”
Audio x-factor
Once you have your TV squared away it’s time to consider another key component to your Big Game experience: the audio.
TV speakers are good for everyday use, but adding a soundbar can help enhance your home theater setup.
“Pairing a soundbar will help make the game sound crisp and clear.” Jones said. “Upgrading can help make you feel like you’re really experiencing the excitement and sound of the stadium.”
And if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the halftime show, think about pairing your soundbar with a subwoofer. Adding a subwoofer will make the sound feel fuller and helps create a surround sound-like atmosphere from your living room.
Building an ecosystem
With more smart home options than ever before, it’s easy to build an ecosystem and get your devices working as a team. Adding a TV to your smart home setup should be a no brainer, and it can be useful even after the Big Game is over.
A fun way to try it out is by connecting smart products like the Phillips HDMI Sync Box, Hue Play and Hue Bridge to your TV. Jones says pairing these devices allows you to sync the Big Game to the lighting in the room, adding a new element to your watch party experience. You can even light up the room in your team’s colors. What better way to show you’re the ultimate fan?
There’s another way your TV can partner up with your smart products. For example, if you have a Samsung TV and a Samsung Family Hub Fridge, cast the game from the TV to the fridge screen, so you don’t miss a minute of the game while prepping snacks.
Click here to shop deals on the top-brand TVs for the Big Game.