Best Home Theater Upgrades (2025): Audio, Lighting & Smart Control
Updated October 2025
Top 5 Best Home Theater Upgrades Compared
| Upgrade | Best For | Smart Features | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denon AVR-X3800H | Full Dolby Atmos & HDMI 2.1 integration | Voice, HEOS Multiroom | $1,699 |
| Sonos Arc + Sub (Gen 3) | Wireless surround simplicity | Trueplay, Alexa/Google | $1,598 |
| Philips Hue Sync Box + Gradient Lightstrip | Dynamic ambient lighting | Hue Bridge, HDMI sync | $249 + $199 |
| LG CineBeam S PU615U | Ultra-short throw 4K projection | webOS, SmartThings | $1,296 |
| Logitech Harmony Hub (Refreshed) | All-in-one automation | IR, Wi-Fi, SmartThings | $149 |
Hands-On Picks & Testing Results
In our testing suite, we focused on real-world results: how clearly dialogue stands out at low volumes, how smoothly lights sync with on-screen action, and how easily devices join your existing network. Below are the standout upgrades that deliver performance and convenience worth the investment.
The Denon AVR-X3800H remains one of the most complete receivers we’ve tested. With 9.4 channels, HDMI 2.1, and 8K passthrough, it’s ideal for Dolby Atmos and 4K HDR setups. Setup is straightforward via the Denon Setup Assistant, and it supports HEOS for wireless streaming throughout your home.
Pros
- Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D
- Excellent calibration via Audyssey MultEQ XT32
- HEOS and Alexa compatibility
- HDMI 2.1 (40 Gbps) future-proofing
Cons
- Setup takes time for optimal calibration
For those who prefer a wire-free approach, the Sonos Arc with Sub (Gen 3) delivers surprisingly cinematic performance without clutter. The Arc’s 11 Class-D amplifiers create an enveloping Dolby Atmos effect, while the Sub adds palpable low-end weight without distortion. Setup via the Sonos app takes minutes and automatically tunes to your room through Trueplay calibration.
Pros
- Powerful immersive sound with simple setup
- Wireless subwoofer and rear speaker options
- Integrates easily with Alexa, Google, and Apple Home
Cons
- Premium price for full surround configuration
We observed that pairing the Sonos Arc with a smart lighting system like Philips Hue Gradient Lightstrip transforms an ordinary living room into a synchronized audio-visual zone. Lights subtly react to explosions, car chases, or musical crescendos, creating a genuinely immersive home theater environment.
Philips Hue Sync Box + Gradient Lightstrip
This combo delivers dynamic bias lighting that matches your screen in real time. In our tests, Hue Sync tightened perceived contrast at lower brightness, which reduces eye strain for long movie nights. The Gradient strip wraps corners evenly, so colors look continuous instead of segmented.
Pros
- Convincing ambient bias lighting around the TV
- Low latency HDMI sync for consoles and streamers
- Integrates with scenes from Smart Lighting Setup Guide
Cons
- Requires Hue Bridge for full features
Tip: Pair the Gradient strip with a wall wash from Best Smart Light Strips 2025 to soften edge hotspots behind larger screens. Support and specs: Philips Hue Support.
The PU615U throws a 100 to 120 inch image from inches away. In our room with moderate ambient light, Filmmaker Mode and an ALR screen preserved shadow detail without visible hotspotting. Input latency is acceptable for console gaming and movies look crisp with solid motion handling.
Pros
- Bright 4K UST with punchy HDR
- webOS streaming and smart control
- Clean cable routing near the wall
Cons
- Best results require an ALR screen
Learn about HDMI 2.1 transport and cables at the HDMI Forum. Dolby format guidance is available at Dolby.
Apple TV 4K (Thread + Matter Hub)
If your theater already leans toward HomeKit, Apple TV 4K doubles as a fast streamer and a reliable Thread border router. We used it to coordinate dimming scenes with Hue, arming the front door from Best Smart Door Locks, and setting Quiet Hours automations for late viewing.
Pros
- Acts as a local Matter and Thread hub
- Low friction automations with Siri scenes
- High quality streaming with Dolby Vision
Cons
- Best with Apple centric homes
For advanced local control, Home Assistant is a powerful option. It integrates well with media players and lighting scenes.
Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
Adding energy monitoring to your AVR or projector helps quantify standby draw. Our tests show typical idle loads between 9 and 28 watts depending on brand and HDMI CEC settings. Tie the plug into theater scenes to cut phantom power when you are done.
Pros
- Track real time and historical usage
- Integrates with scenes and routines
- Simple automation wins with low cost
Cons
- Do not use on high current amplifiers
See our deeper picks in Smart Plugs & Energy Monitors: Best Picks 2025.
Setup and integration
Follow a simple order of operations. Wire the display and sources to the AVR first, confirm video formats, then layer in audio calibration and lighting sync. Keep all firmware current to avoid HDMI handshake issues.
- HDMI and video path: Use certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables. Verify 4K120 or 8K passthrough in the AVR menu. Guidance lives at the HDMI Forum.
- Speaker placement and calibration: Position fronts at ear height, angle to the main seat, and place height channels in line with Dolby recommendations. Run Audyssey or Trueplay and save at least two profiles. See Dolby for placement tips.
- Lighting scenes: Create Movie, Intermission, and End Credits scenes in your lighting app. Sync gradients to HDMI sources and cap max brightness to avoid color washout. Cross reference our Smart Lighting Setup Guide.
- Voice and routines: Add an automation that dims lights, powers the AVR, selects the input, and arms the front door if you have a smart lock. See Smart Home Devices for Entertaining for scene examples.
- Power management: Use smart plugs or an IP power strip for low draw gear only. Do not place large amplifiers on consumer plugs.
We observed that splitting calibration into daytime and nighttime presets improves dialogue intelligibility without constant remote tweaks. Daytime lifts the center channel and trims sub bass slightly. Nighttime drops overall volume and leans on dynamic range compression to keep neighbors happy.
How to choose the right upgrades
Start with your room, not your wishlist. The space determines speaker layout, screen size, and whether a projector or TV makes more sense. Work top down from display and seating distance, then choose audio power and control layers that fit your habits.
Room size and speaker layout
- Small rooms up to 180 sq ft: prioritize a quality soundbar with wireless surrounds. Add a single sub.
- Medium rooms 180 to 350 sq ft: a 5.1.2 or 7.1.2 AVR with compact height speakers performs well.
- Large rooms above 350 sq ft: step to 9 channel or separates with multiple subs and careful placement.
Display choice
- Bright living rooms: large OLED or Mini LED keeps contrast with lights on.
- Light controlled rooms: UST projector with ALR screen provides size without remodels.
Smart ecosystem
- Apple-centric homes: Apple TV 4K doubles as a hub and supports Thread and Matter scenes.
- Alexa or Google homes: Sonos Arc and Hue Sync integrate quickly with voice routines.
Connectivity and formats
- Confirm HDMI 2.1 on the AVR if you run PS5 or Xbox at 4K120.
- Use eARC when the TV is the source switch. Otherwise route sources to the AVR.
- Follow Dolby guidance for placement and height angles.
Advanced setup notes
- CEC sanity check: disable CEC on devices that fight for input control. Leave it enabled on the primary display and AVR only.
- Subwoofer integration: start with a 80 Hz crossover, phase at 0, and adjust by ear or measurement. Two subs smooth bass.
- Acoustic panels: first reflection panels and a thick rug often outperform expensive speaker swaps.
- Network: put streamers and AVR on Ethernet for stability. Save Wi-Fi for remotes and bulbs.
For ongoing optimization, save a Day and Night preset. Day lifts dialogue and trims bass slightly. Night enables Dynamic Range Compression, reduces bass bloom, and caps max volume to keep neighbors happy.
For scene building and seasonal ambiance, blend this guide with Smart Holiday Lighting Ideas and our Entertaining devices roundup. If you want more control and energy insights, pair your rack with picks from Smart Plugs and Energy Monitors. For bias lighting and gaming ambience, add strips from Best Smart Light Strips.
FAQ
Do I need Dolby Atmos for a small room?
Atmos height effects still help with immersion in small rooms. A 5.1.2 layout with low profile heights or upfiring modules is usually enough.
Is a projector better than a big TV?
Projectors win on size per dollar in dark rooms. Large OLED or Mini LED wins for mixed lighting, motion, and day to day convenience.
How important is an AVR in 2025?
An AVR remains the most flexible way to manage many sources, future video formats, and real speaker power. Soundbars are simpler but less expandable.
Should I upgrade cables?
Use certified Ultra High Speed HDMI for 4K120 or 8K sources. Avoid overly long passive runs. Check specs at the HDMI Forum.
Can I automate lights to match movies?
Yes. The Philips Hue Sync Box with Gradient Lightstrip provides reliable HDMI based sync. See setup resources at Philips Hue Support.
